In Memory: Oct. 6

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Joan Barcus, 66, Vero Beach

August 04, 1957 – September 06, 2023

Joan Barcus, 66, died Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at her home in Vero Beach, Florida.

Joan was born in Perth Amboy, NJ in 1957. She was very active throughout her youth, including playing tennis and softball. She was the first freshman to make the varsity tennis team at her high school. She served on student council and was also a twirler in her high school marching band. She also attended both Middlesex Community College and Rutgers University to obtain her marketing degree. She worked in advertising in NJ for a number of years, where some of her work can still be seen on product labels today.

She moved to Vero Beach, Florida, in 1989. She joined her parents as longtime season ticket holders for the Vero Beach Dodgers and befriended a lot of players over the years before the Dodgers moved to Arizona.

She was an avid sports fan that could be found at Dodger games with family, in the stands at the VBHS football games while her daughter was in high school, at the baseball field from rec ball to SRHS watching her son play, or watching her grandchildren play football, softball, baseball, but she also attended many dance recitals for her grandchildren.

While working for MBV Engineering, Inc. for almost 30 years, Joan was introduced to the Exchange Club. Joan was an active member of Exchange that received the Exchangite of the Year award in 2012 and served as Club President from 2016-2017. She volunteered for many events through Exchange. She also gave countless hours to Little League Baseball over the years.

Joan loved her family and friends dearly. She is survived by her loving husband, William “Bill” Barcus; her mother, Elaine Brennan; her father-in-law David Barcus, her daughter, Jessica (and Roger) Hawkins; her son, Christopher (and Amber) Barcus; her step-daughter, Kathy (and Chris) Lawson; her step-daughter, Terri (and Sevi) Fuentes; her sister, Terri; and her 10 grandchildren (Mark Hawkins, Abby Hawkins, Kendall Bersani, Jaxon Barcus, Jagger Barcus, Anthem Lawson, Isabel Lawson, Angel Fuentes, Nico Fuentes, and Niyah Fuentes), numerous nieces and nephews, plus countless cousins, friends, and co-workers.

She was predeceased by her father, John Brennan and her mother-in-law, Alice “Betty” Barcus.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 5:30pm – 7:30 pm at The Heritage Center (2140 14th Avenue; Vero Beach).

Memorial Contributions can be made in Joan’s name to VNA & Hospice Foundation (920 37th Place #101; Vero Beach, FL  32960). Below is a link if you can add it to the page:

https://vnatc.org/waystogive/memorials-and-honorariums/

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

James Balducci, 67, Vero Beach

February 11, 1956 – September 09, 2023

James Balducci67, a long time resident of Wappingers Fallspassed peacefully from his home in Vero Beach on September 9, 2023.

Born in Wyandanch, Long Island, on February 11, 1956, he was the son of Louis and Jean Balducci.  Jim graduated from John Jay High School in 1974 where he played football and then attended Dutchess Community College.   After working for IBM East Fishkill for many years, Jim then went into the mortgage business, but his most enjoyable time was working with his Dad at East Fishkill Developers.

After retirement, Jim moved to Vero Beach to enjoy the warm climate.  He enjoyed many sports throughout his life including golf, tennis and spending time with his Golden Retriever Tessa Rose.

James is survived by his sister Jeanie Balducci of Wappingers Falls, brother John Balducci of Poughkeepsie, sister-in-law Nancy Balducci of Wappingers Falls and nephews Louis Balducci of Jupiter, Florida and Vincent Balducci of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He was predeceased by his parents Louis and Jean Balducci and his brother Louis Balducci, Jr.

There will be a private memorial service.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Michele C. Nolte, 75

November 30, 1947 – September 08, 2023

Michele C. Nolte, age 75, passed away peacefully September 8, 2023 in Vero Beach, FL.

At this time, no funeral services are scheduled. Additional obituary details forthcoming.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Donna Reschak Johnson, 82, Vero Beach

January 06, 1941 – September 08, 2023

Donna Reschak Johnson, age 82, passed away peacefully in Vero Beach, FL.

She was born In Englewood, New Jersey and moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1951.

Donna graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1959.

She worked for 26 years in electronics at Piper Aircraft. She also worked for Dr. McCormick’s for 9 years until retirement in 2000. She was committed to helping others, on her free time she volunteered at Riverside Theater and the Indian River Memorial Hospital.

Donna loved spending time with family, cooking, lunches with friends, and playing cards. She was an avid card player and enjoyed the game of ‘Canasta’.

Survivors include her son Jack Reschak (Cindy); daughters Jill Hayes (Steve), Janice Fleisher (Jeff); sisters Marcia Michael (Charles), Debby Meliti (Dennis), and Denise Gallahue; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her first and second husband John Reschak and Stan Johnson, brother, Bob Gates, father, Albert Gates, and mother, Jeanne Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scully Welsh Cancer Center (Infusions) 3555 10th Court Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

William ‘Bill’ Huffman II, 79, Vero Beach

June 01, 1944 – September 13, 2023

William ‘Bill’ Huffman II, age 79, passed away on September 13, 2023 in Vero Beach, Florida.

Bill was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia to William and Irene Huffman. He resided in Charleston, West Virginia prior to retiring in Vero Beach, Florida. Bill was a jack of all trades and worked in real estate and as a banker for many years.

He was a member of the Gassaway Baptist Church in Gassaway, West Virginia.

Bill attended and earned his baccalaureate degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Survivors include his wife Gloria Huffman; his children Amy Lewis (Ron), Rebecca Huffman, Cary Charbonniez (Pierre), and William Huffman III (Jessica); step-daughters Tracy Powell (Harmeet) and Tricia Powell; siblings Alice Ann Woodall and John Huffman (Vicky); as well as many loving grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

He is predeceased by his first wife Karen Huffman and his parents William and Irene Huffman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gassaway Baptist Church (56 Beall Dr, Gassaway, WV 26624).

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Harold L. Brooks Jr., 79, Vero Beach

April 30, 1944 – September 12, 2023

Harold L. Brooks Jr., DDS passed away peacefully in Vero Beach, Florida on September 12th, 2023.

He was born in Washington, DC on April 30, 1944.

Dr. Brooks was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served from 1968- 1971.

He practiced dentistry for over 50 years in Vero Beach and Sebastian, FL. Dr. Brooks was skilled, creative, gentle, and kind with all of his patients. Living in Vero Beach, FL since 1972, Dr. Brooks was a pillar in the community and served on the Vero Beach Parks, Planning and Zoning Commission.

Dr. Brooks is survived by his loving wife Barbara, son Steven, and grandchildren Carson, Peyton, Chloe, and Wyatt. He is predeceased in death by his daughter Jamie Beck.

Dr. Brooks will be profoundly missed by all who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 16th, 2023 at 4:00pm, located at the Unity Spiritual Center of Vero Beach, 950 43rd Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Florida Dental Association Foundation to honor the dedication and passion of dentistry that Dr. Brooks shared with his patients (https://fdafoundation.salsalabs.org/drharoldbrooks/index.html).

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Dr. Marc Douglas McCain, MD, 48, Vero Beach

November 23, 1974 – September 15, 2023

Marc Douglas McCain, 48, passed away on September 15, 2023, in his hometown of Vero Beach, Florida. He was a loving husband, father, son, and brother, and he was a beloved doctor for many families in the community.

At 8 years old, Marc decided to become a pediatrician and someday run Treasure Coast Pediatrics, a dream that was fulfilled twenty years later. He was a graduate of Vero Beach High School, where he was voted “Mr. VBHS”- an honor he boasted about both sincerely and in jest. He attended the University of Florida (’96) and the University of South Florida Medical School (’00), and he completed a pediatric residency at the University of South Florida (’03).

Marc is predeceased by his mother Sharon and stepmother Gerri. He leaves behind his father Doug, wife Jeanette, daughters Emily, Madelene, and Mollie, and brothers Matthew and Michael.

Marc met his wife Jeanette when they were in the fifth grade together at Rosewood Elementary School. At age 15, they started playing tennis together, and they fell in love. They married on December 30, 1994. Their love and friendship never wavered for 33 years.

Marc and Jeanette have three daughters: Emily, Madelene, and Mollie. Marc took pride most of all in his children, and despite being outnumbered, he loved being a “girl dad.”

Marc will be remembered in a private service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation 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

Manuel Alvarez, 69

October 01, 1953 – September 22, 2023

Manuel Alvarez, a native of Camagüey, Cuba, born on October 1, 1953, transitioned peacefully on September 22, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was a devoted father of four – Raymond, Jessica, Margarita, and Diana – and a beloved grandfather to 13 adoring grandchildren. He rejoins his late wife, Diane Alvarez, in the realm of eternal peace.

Manny was a man of many facets, but at the heart of it all was his passion for people. He was a social butterfly who thrived on connecting with others, earning him the well-deserved title of “life of the party.” His infectious personality left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Whether it was his warm smile, his quick wit, or his dancing feet that set the tone, Manny had an uncanny ability to make any gathering unforgettable. Beyond his penchant for celebration, Manuel was also known for his strong work ethic. He approached life with dedication and determination, providing for his family with unwavering commitment. His legacy is not only one of joy but also of hard work and perseverance, qualities he passed down to his children and grandchildren.

As a father and grandfather, Manuel’s love knew no bounds. He was a pillar of strength, offering guidance, wisdom, and boundless affection. His memory will forever be a source of inspiration to his family as they carry forward his values of love, laughter, and the importance of cherishing every moment.  Manuel Alvarez’s presence in our lives was a gift, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. However, his spirit lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, a testament to a life well-lived and a love that endures.

Let us remember him not with tears, but with the laughter and joy that defined his remarkable journey through life.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 at 10:00 AM. The visitation will follow at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory with a prayer service to begin at 1:00 PM.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Jeffrey Lamar Harp, 65

June 06, 1958 – September 25, 2023

Jeffrey Lamar Harp, age 65, passed away September 25, 2023, in Blountsville, Alabama.

He was born June 6, 1958, in Vero Beach, Florida.

Mr. Harp served in the United States Army, for four years. He was a member of the Mason’s and Brooksville Baptist Church in Alabama.

Survivors include his mom, Hazel Harp; daughter, Summer Harp and her fiancée, Robert Libasci; sisters, Bonnie Martin and Janie Lamb; brother-in-laws, Emmett Martin and Phillip Lamb; brother, John Harp; sister-in-law, Tammy Harp and Hilda Latoni; and three grandchildren, Gianna Libasci, Logan Bencivenga, Lucas Libasci, and Ella Libasci.

He was predeceased by his wife, Estela Latoni Harp for 30 years; father, Louie Harp; father-in-law, Carlos Latoni; mother-in-law, Gloria Latoni; brother, Kevin Harp; and brother-in-law, Carlos Latoni Jr.

A Visitation will be held 1:00-2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory.

Interment will follow in Winter Beach Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.

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