From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Earl B. Jacobson, 83, Vero Beach
December 07, 1939 – May 09, 2023
We are saddened to announce that Earl B. Jacobson, 83, died May 9, 2023, in Vero Beach, Florida.
He was born in Rockford, Illinois and moved to Vero Beach from Huntley, Illinois, and lived in Crystal Lake, Illinois, for 25 years.
Earl was the Founder of Nuclear Power Outfitters, McHenry, Illinois. Before that, he was a leader in nuclear diagnostics at GE Medical Systems. Earl also held other consulting roles in the nuclear power industry; he held numerous patents for nuclear power protective systems and clothing. He was also a physics teacher and a swim coach in the Rockford public school system.
An avid boater, Earl was the Commodore at the Moorings Yacht and Country Club in Vero Beach. He was also serving as the Board Secretary of the North Passage (Moorings) Board of Directors and served on the Board of the Harbour Side Yacht Club.
Survivors include wife Georgia; children Holly (James) Crilly, Samantha (Todd Hohn) Clark, and Joel (Rachel) Jacobson; and grandchildren Charles and Henry Crilly, Aaron and Jack Clark, and June and Nolan Jacobson.
Earl was predeceased by parents Oscar and Frances (Wanfalt) Jacobson, sister Irene (Jacobson) Aanderud, and brother Roger Jacobson.
If you would like to make a donation in Earl’s honor, please consider either the University of Miami ALS Center (https://www.miami-als.org/support-us/) and Orlando Health Cancer Institute (https://give.orlandohealth.com).
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
John Richard Gruber, 91
January 15, 1932 – May 12, 2023
John Richard Gruber, 91, passed away on May 12, 2023 in Vero Beach, Florida. John was born January 15, 1932 in Peekskill, New York and was the brother of the late Paul Gruber. He was the son of John Frank Gruber and Mary Magdalena (Bauch). John leaves his wife of 30 years, Janice Clare (Lawrence), his son, John Michael Gruber and his wife Patricia of Champaign, Illinois, his step-son, Daniel Keith Ek of Boston, Mass., his grandson John Matthew Gruber and his wife Lindsay of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, his granddaughter, Nicole Gruber of Portland, Oregon and his great-granddaughter, Eleanor Grace Gruber. John was previously married to the late Elizabeth Dickson. John was a US Navy veteran and served during the Korean War from 1950-54. After graduating from Millbrook, N.Y. high school he went to the Progressive School of Photography in New Haven, Conn. After enlisting in the US Navy he went to the Navy Photographic School in Pensacola, Fla. and became a Navy Photographer.
John first became enthralled with Photography at the age of ten or eleven when he would take over the family’s bathroom to set up a dark room. Following his discharge from the Navy he began what was to become a 39-year career as an Industrial Photographer with the International Business Machines, Corp. where he was responsible for many innovative developments including setting up a studio for photographing equipment for publicity. As Audiovisual Communications Manager he was a pioneer in Meeting Management and multi-image slide projection. John’s work has appeared in national ad campaigns in publications such as Life, Time, Newsweek, Business Week and such prestigious newspapers as The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times the Christian Science Monitor, the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune. He was an avid reader and history buff,
Family and friends will miss his sense of humor, his artistic imagery, his strong handshake and his incredibly blue eyes.
Burial will be at the Woodbury Cemetery in Woodbury, Connecticut at the family’s convenience.
Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Theresa Terry, 76, Vero Beach
January 24, 1947 – May 12, 2023
Theresa Terry, age 76, passed away May 12, 2023, at her home in Vero Beach Florida.
She was born in Reid Im Innkreis, Austria, and moved to Chicago, Illinois prior to Vero Beach.
Survivors include her daughter, Debbie Gilreath, her grandsons; Jake Gilreath and Eric (Karmen) Gilreath and great-grandson, Eric Gilreath.
Theresa was predeceased by her husband, James H. Terry, Sisters; Rosina Herman and Elsie Wolfgram, parents; John and Elisabeth Holz, grandparents; Michael and Marie Pischak.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
John Lafayette Ashby, Jr., 92, Vero Beach
April 27, 1931 – May 09, 2023
John Lafayette Ashby, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, husband, and friend to so many, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was born in the small town of Mount Airy, North Carolina on April 27, 1931, and is preceded in death by his parents, John and May Ashby. He graduated with honors from Mount Airy High School where he played for a state championship football team and earned recognition as an Eagle Scout. John then attended Davidson College where he was awarded the honor of Most Outstanding Brother for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and graduated with a degree in Pre-Med. Following in his father’s footsteps, he pursued a career in dentistry and attended the prestigious UNC Adams School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. While earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery, John was the Vice President of his class and a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity. Throughout his life, he proudly wore his UNC cap and attire as a loyal Tarheel alum.
Following dental school, John settled in Vero Beach with his former spouse, Patty Ashby. Together they raised three children while John operated a successful solo practice. He often provided free care to those in need and had many beloved patients who were like family to him. Even after retirement in 2001, many patients commented on how much he was missed and the tremendous impact he had on the dental community. John was also an active participant in the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon for many years.
In 1991, John married Dede Higdon Ashby and they spent many wonderful years traveling and camping throughout British Columbia, skiing in the Colorado and Utah mountains, as well as sharing the sports of tennis, golf, biking, and walking various beaches and nature trails. John was also an avid jogger and often seen running the streets of the barrier island in Vero Beach. He was a humble, generous, and gracious man who enjoyed spending time with his family. A supporter of Youth Guidance and the ARC of Indian River County, John will be remembered for his zest for life as well as his sharp wit and ever-present sense of humor which sustained him through life’s challenges.
John is survived by his wife, Dede Ashby, his sister Ann Helms, his nephew Gerald Houston Helms, Jr., his three children: Kimberly Ann Ashby, John Scott Ashby (Sue), and Julie Andrews Ashby Citrin (Ben), his two step children: Laurie Lee Connelly (Brian) and James Evan Higdon, III (Lori), and his nine grandchildren: Chad Ashby (Mindy), Brooke Ashby, Will Ashby (Tori), Reid Ashby (Emily), Andrew Yale Citrin, Harrison Scott Citrin, John Bradley Citrin, Benjamin Taylor Citrin, and James Clayton Helms. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren: Caedmon, Griffin, Fletcher, Teddy, Caroline, Davis, Peter, Warner, and Amelia Ashby as well as four step grandchildren: Dalton Connelly, Claire Connelly, Chandler Higdon and Avery Higdon.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach on Saturday, June 17, 2023. A livestream option is also available on their website firstpresvero.org.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Youth Guidance or the ARC of Indian River County.
Funeral arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Al Hess, 92, Vero Beach
September 18, 1930 – May 15, 2023
Al Hess, 92 years old from Vero Beach, Florida, died peacefully this past Monday morning May 15th after a short but intense battle with pancreatic cancer. Diagnosed in late March, the cancer progressed quickly and took him home to heaven to be with God and his sweet wife, Joan, who passed away back in 2018.
Al was born on Long Island in Bay Shore, New York on September 18, 1930. He was the second son, born to Alfred and Dora Hess. Al’s parents were both immigrants to America, coming through Ellis Island in the early 1900’s having come from Switzerland and Holland. He grew up and went to school in nearby Lindenhurst, New York. He started college at night going to St. John’s University, studying accounting. His education was interrupted by a call to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War conflict. Al was honorably discharged after his father became ill and subsequently finished his education at Hofstra University, working and going to school at night.
Al married the love of his life, Joan, in August of 1954. Together they raised six children (Kathy Joe, Tom, Al, Bill, and Mary) in Oakdale, New York. Along the way they took in and raised a Vietnamese refugee child (Nguyet Nguyen).
Al worked in the concrete business most of his adult life, founding Star Ready Mix with four partners back in 1973 (?). After retiring in 1989, Al and Joan moved to Vero Beach, Florida where he has lived the past 33 plus years of his life.
Al loved his family – his wife, Joan of 64 years, his children, their spouses, all twelve grandkids and 4 great grandkids. Al also loved life and loved being involved in the community. Here in Vero Beach Al volunteered at Samaritan’s House, Meals On Wheels (30+ years), and at the VNA Hospice House. Al started volunteering at the Hospice House after his wife, Joan, passed away there September 1st, 2018. Al also loved playing tennis and golf and for years he was an avid runner, having completed numerous half marathons, and 5 and 10K races.
Al loved to make people laugh and he loved to encourage and brighten people’s days along the way. One of his favorite greetings with almost everyone he would meet – “Thank you for what you do.” Al was loved by many and will be missed greatly by his family and friends. Because of his great faith, we all know we’ll see him again in heaven.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Margaret “Mickey” Ruppert, (nee Litz), 89, Vero Beach
March 15, 1934 – May 19, 2023
Margaret “Mickey” Ruppert, (nee Litz) of Vero Beach, Florida died in her sleep at her home on May 19, 2023. She was 89 years old and had a long and active life.
Mickey was born to Mildred and George Litz, raised in Washington, DC and graduated from the Notre Dame Academy also in Washington. She and her loving husband of 69+ years, David Ruppert, were married in Washington, DC in 1954.
In 1961, she and Dave moved to and raised their seven children in Severna Park, MD. She loved having a full house of children and their friends and lots of parties and picnics for family and friends. She had a passion for tennis – and many a day (before school let out) you could find her on the courts with her friend, Nancy Holthaus. In 1992, Mickey and Dave moved to Vero Beach, FL.
A believer in giving back to the community, Mickey was an avid volunteer. She volunteered at Crownsville Hospital for 22 years, holding bingo nights, movie nights, summer picnics and Christmas parties. She organized Friday night “Coffee Houses” for the teenagers at Severna Park High featuring budding young musicians in the area. She also taught “Special Ed” Sunday School at St. Johns, Severna Park and helped at Religious Ed and Liturgical Conferences in Washington, Baltimore and other areas.
Mickey worked part-time for the Ruppert Brothers Organization in Severna Park and upon moving to Vero Beach, worked 25 years as a Private Secretary for a prominent business entrepreneur, retiring at the age of 86.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Gloria Litz, brother, Francis Litz and oldest daughter, Susan Millette. She is survived by her husband, David and 6 children: Joanne Hockman (Michael) of Annapolis, MD, Nancy French (Mark) of Vero Beach, Mike Ruppert (Monica) of Severna Park, Joseph Ruppert (Jaci) of Vero Beach, John Ruppert of Annapolis, MD, and Tiffany Thomas (Joseph) of Severna Park; her brother, Thomas Litz of San Rafael, CA; as well as 21 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 1st from 4-8 PM at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, June 2nd at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy. Severna Park, with the interment to follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Siranoush Davidian, 92, Vero Beach
July 02, 1930 – May 23, 2023
Siranoush Davidian, age 92, of Vero Beach, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
She was born in Baghdad, Iraq on July 2, 1930, and later moved to Vero Beach with her family. Siranoush loved the Lord and Christian music and was a member of Calvary Chapel Vero Beach.
She is survived by her family, Violet Davidian, Sahak Davidian, Harout Davidian, Shant Davidian, Yeprem Davidian, and Nazik Davidian. Siranoush was predeceased by her husband Babajan Davidian in 2001 and her grandson Michael Davidian in 2003.
A visitation will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 31st, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory with a Noon burial to follow at Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Chapel Vero Beach, 941 18thst., Vero Beach, FL 32960, or https://ccvb.churchcenter.com/giving
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Alvin Raymond Seagraves, 76
March 07, 1947 – May 18, 2023
Alvin Raymond Seagraves, age 76, passed away on May 18, 2023, at home.
He was born in Salem, New Jersey. He was in the United States Army and received a Bronze Star.
Alvin graduated from the Culinary Institute of New Haven, CT.
Survivors include wife, Joyce Seagraves; two sons, Steven and Michael Seagraves; and brother, Christopher Seagraves.
He is predeceased by his mother, Dorothy and sister, Donna Berge.
Memorial contributions may be made to Joyce Seagraves, 6425 51 Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32967.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Eugene James Nagel, 79, Vero Beach
January 28, 1944 – May 24, 2023
Eugene James Nagel, age 79, passed away May 24, 2023, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. He was born in Bridgeport, CT and moved from Long Island, NY to Vero Beach, FL in 2000.
He owned and operated EJN Tax & Financial Services for 20 years and retired in 2000.
Eugene was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. As an avid golfer, he was a member of the Indian River Club, Meadowood Country Club, and Vero Beach Country Club.
He was a graduate of Saint John’s University.
Survivors include his loving wife, Diane; children, Jimmy, Erik, and Virginia; grandchildren, Bryn, Cooper, Samantha, Violet, and Veronica; brothers, John and Donald.
He was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Jane Nagel; his brother, Kevin Nagel; daughter, Michele Nagel.
A prayer service will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32963.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged in Eugene’s name to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital stjude.org/give.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
