From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Julie Ann Lawton, 70, Vero Beach
March 5, 1953 – September 1, 2023
Julie Ann Lawton of Vero Beach passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023 after a brief illness. She was 70 years old.
She graduated from Northeastern Illinois University, with a B.A. in English and was awarded a Masters degree in Education from the University of Hawaii with a specialty in teaching reading. A career teacher, she taught English and other subjects at Port St Lucie High School, Forest Grove Middle School, and for a brief time at Ooltewah (Tennessee) High School, where she was highly regarded by staff and students alike.
An intrepid traveler, she especially loved the Maine coast and her adopted state of Florida. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Egypt in 2021, seeing the pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and cruising the Nile River in style.
She loved wildlife and was an avid birder. Over the years, she adopted many dogs and cats from shelters to give them a happy life and home.
A lifelong reader and student, Julie was well read on the classics, including Shakespeare and Chaucer, and particularly enjoyed romance and mystery novels. She was active in her Pointe West community and treasured her book club friendships.
Julie is survived by the brother Gregory Lawton of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and by Chip, her beloved Australian Cattle Dog. She was predeceased by her parents, George H. Lawton, Jr., and Alma Lawton, of Fort Pierce, Florida.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 5-7PM at The Pointe West Country Club Clubhouse, 7500 14th Lane, in Vero Beach. Bring smiles, no frowns!
Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com.
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Matthew Salvatore Arena, 83, Vero Beach
March 17, 1940 – September 8, 2023
Matthew Salvatore Arena, passed away on September 8, 2023 at the age of 83. He was born on March 17, 1940 in Brooklyn, NY.
Matthew was a soft-spoken kind man who loved his wife, children, and family. He had a gentle soul that was admired by everyone he met.
He enjoyed a career as a printer and graduated from the New York School of Printing and Rochester Institute of Technology. Matthew continued to work as Vice President for Lenz & Riecker Printers for 38 years.
Matthew raised his family on Staten Island, NY before moving to Boynton Beach, FL, and then settling for retirement in Vero Beach, FL.
He was an avid sports fan and despite being from Brooklyn, he was not a Dodgers fan, but a lifelong Yankees fan. Matthew enjoyed going to NY Jet games with his family and friends.
His happiest moments were spent with his family, friends, eating Italian food, and watching his beloved children and grandchildren grow up!
Matthew is survived by his wife; Annette, daughter; Margaret (Stephen) Arena-Bubel, and son; John (Tracey) Arena. He was a proud grandfather to Luke Arena, Logan Arena, Angelina Bubel, and Madalyn Bubel. Matthew is survived by his sister; Constance (Rudolph) Wobito and was predeceased by his brother; Vincent (Marianne) Arena and parents; John and Brigida Arena.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church (7550 26th St, Vero Beach, FL 32966) on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11am followed by inurnment at Crestlawn Cemetery (1216 14th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960).