From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Dolores Helene Spadaro, 84, Vero Beach
November 25, 1938 – September 11, 2023
Dolores Helene Spadaro, 84, or Vero Beach passed away Monday, September 11, 2023. Born in Waterbury Connecticut she was a daughter of the late Anthony & Viola Genovese. Dolores was a graduate of Waterbury Catholic High School and St. Mary’s Hospital. Her career in nursing took her first to work for the late Dr. Michael Buckley. After Which she spent 2 years working with the mentally retarded in a group home and went on to work with the The Family walk in medical centers. Dolores ended her nursing career working with Dr. John Rivera of Southington, CT, retiring in 1991.
In 1995 Dolores and her husband moved to Florida where she spent her remaining years.
Dolores is survived by her husband, of 59 years, John “Jack” Spadaro; sons, John Spadaro and his wife Angelique, Gregory Spadaro and his wife Mina; daughter, Karen Spadaro; grandchildren, Chelsea, Shawna, Michael, Matthew and Gianna; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Riley, and Landon.
She will be missed.
Services and interment are private as was her request.
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Lynda S. Smith, 74, Vero Beach
May 4, 1949 – September 14, 2023
Lynda S. Smith, 74 of Vero Beach passed away September 14, 2023.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm, Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at St. John of The Cross Catholic Church, 7550 26th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32966.
A complete obituary is forthcoming.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Lynda S. Smith, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Beth Mott, 54, Vero Beach
January 10, 1969 – September 14, 2023
Mary Beth Mott, 54, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on September 14, 2023. She was born January 10, 1969, in Woodbury, New Jersey to Hilda and John Mott.
Mary Beth is survived by her husband David Baird, stepson Michael Grillo, brother John Mott and sister-in-law Sarah Mott, mother Hilda Mott, cousins Robin Justice and Jennifer Harriss, her beloved nieces Katy and Allie Mott, and her family and friends.
Mary Beth loved her family, autumn, botanical gardens, museums, the beach, and family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was a compassionate and loving wife, sister, daughter, cousin, and friend who worked tirelessly to take care of her loved ones, and whose loss leaves a hole in the hearts of them all. She will always be remembered for her inspiring ability to provide, forgive, support, sacrifice, and love unconditionally.
A private service will be held in Mary Beth’s honor on October 7th, with a video posted afterwards at https://www.youtube.com/@MaryBethMottBaird. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends After Diagnosis (https://www.friendsafterdiagnosis.com/).
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Henry Joseph Dinenno Jr., 84, Vero Beach
July 24, 1939 – September 14, 2023
Henry was born July 24, 1939 to Henry and Claire Vaughan Dinenno in NY, NY. The son of an Italian father and an Irish mother, Henry’s early life played out as leader of the Marble Hill Jaguars gang on the streets of the Bronx. He was protected from the law by his maternal grandfather, a clerk of court. When his grandfather’s influence was no longer enough Henry was saved by his father’s courage to move his family to West Haven, CT. There Henry put himself through Notre Dame High School and flourished under the heavy-handed Brothers of the Holy Cross, their influence was so great that he actually contemplated a life in the priesthood.
After graduating from University of Connecticut in 1961 with a BS in Electrical Engineering, Henry and his wife, Patricia Cunningham Dinenno, relocated to Southern California. Henry went on to graduate from University of Southern California in 1964 with a MS in Electrical Engineering. Henry launched a 36 year career at Rockwell International beginning with Project Apollo then Space Shuttle.
Henry remarried in 1987 to Sue Roby-Dinenno. Henry was part of the Challenger Accident Investigation and was Associate Program Director of the team that built Endeavor, the Challenger’s replacement. Henry culminated his career as Vice President of Advanced Systems and Program Development, a position which took him all over the world.
Henry would often reflect on how the experiences of his delinquent youth, his transitional phase, and his renewed relationship with God, helped him grow and use his career success to help others. He authored his biography “From the Streets to the Stars” to show at-risk youth that there is a path to success.
Henry led many programs throughout his life. He instituted Rockwell’s Kids and Us Christmas gift program; the GRAPEVINE program which served as a means for employees to make management aware of other employees in need of assistance, counseling, etc. He sat on the Board of Directors of Downey Community Hospital in Downey, CA; the Town Council of Bloomington, UT and headed its Architectural Review Board. He chaired the Board of Directors of Dixie Care and Share, a nonprofit providing meals, food pantry and transitional housing for homeless and low-income families.
Henry and Sue moved to Vero Beach in 1999 where he joined Chapter 59 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He also volunteered at the Sebastian Inlet State Park. Henry served for several years as a judge for the Science and Engineering Fair in Indian River County.
In his final years he found comfort in St. John of the Cross Catholic Church and then EWTN (Catholic TV) when he could no longer attend church services. He enjoyed sunsets from his lanai on Orchid Island and sunrises from his den in Oak Chase.
Henry passed away knowing that his wife; Sue, his children; Henry III, Angela Mendoza, Christina Maxwell, Francis Dinenno, and his stepson; Ryan King, as well as his grandchildren, siblings, their families, and his many friends, all loved him.
A celebration of life will be planned for after hurricane season.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Lewis W. Murphy, 91, Vero Beach
March 7, 1932 – September 22, 2023
Lewis W. Murphy passed peacefully on September 22, 2023 in his home with his family by his side.
He was born on March 7, 1932 in Coolidge, Georgia to Luther P. Murphy, Sr. and Emily “Lena” Murphy. He was the youngest of seven siblings, each of whom he adored. Growing up in a small, southern Georgia town, Lewis inherited character traits that stayed with him for the remainder of his life. He was kind and humble, and was a true Southern gentleman.
Lewis attended the University of Georgia on the G.I. Bill, and graduated in 1958. He was a lifelong dedicated Georgia Bulldog fan, and served as President of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Lewis proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a salesman in the box-board industry for roughly 50 years, and was fortunate enough to have most of his customers become his best friends.
Lewis moved to Vero Beach in 1965, and is survived by his son, Lewis W. (“Wil”) Murphy, Jr. (Pam), daughter, Margaret Murphy Moore (Peter), and five adoring grandchildren – Sydney and Wilson Murphy, and Peter, Patrick and Graham Moore.
Lewis was predeceased by his six siblings, Nadine Borum, Inez White, Donita Turner, Marie Megahee, Hope Baker, and L.P. Murphy, Jr.
When you made friends with Lewis, you were considered a friend for life. He never said an unkind word about anyone at any time, and was known to always have a smile on his face. He loved to hunt, travel and spend time with his family and friends. Lewis enjoyed his daily talks with his friends at Bobby’s, Ocean Grill, and Quail Valley River Club, and he will be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Street in Vero Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that you please consider donating to VNA & Hospice Foundation, 445 24th Street, Suite 300, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Lewis Wilson Murphy, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Mardell (Mardi) Dabbs, 96, Indian River Estates
February 24, 1927 – September 30, 2023
Mardell (Mardi) Dabbs aged 96 passed away peacefully at Indian River Estates, Willow Brooke Court on September 30, 2023. Born at Duluth, Minnesota in 1927.
In 1944, wanting to move on she became a Morse Code Operator for the Office of War Information in New York City. She met and married Charles Thomson, they had three children. The eldest, Nancy, died in 1974 also there was David and Janet.
Later, she divorced and in 1972 while on vacation in San Francisco she met an Englishman, Dennis Dabbs, and within a year they were married. They began a happy life together which lasted nearly 50 years. She moved to England living in Epsom, Surrey. She became involved in Social Work with Autistic Children and also learned to play golf. They traveled extensively in Europe.
When Dennis retired in 1990, they moved back to the USA and set up home near Kingston, NY close to David and Janet. They had a good Social life at a nearby Golf Club plus enjoying Janet’s two boys; Kerry and Devon. Dennis did not like the NY Winter so they became Snowbirds to Cocoa Beach and Melbourne, Florida where they purchased a house. Mardi was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, FL.
In 2005 they decided to move to Indian River Estates where they have spent such Happy years being involved in as many activities as time would allow. In 2015, Mardi had a massive Stroke. She made an amazing recovery although it affected her right side. Then she had a bad fall and fractured her right leg which curtailed her activities. Since then it was just taking it easy and enjoying the friends she had made at IRE WEST. She began to lose strength in her legs and mobility was difficult, which was the reason she went into the Nursing Facility on the Campus. She had Excellent medical attention and devoted care from Dennis, but in the end her heart gave up.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at 2PM, Sunday, October 15, 2023 at The Indian River Estates West Chapel.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Lawrence Edward Hurley, 87
April 1, 1936 – October 3, 2023
Lawrence Edward Hurley, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. He was born in New York City, NY, to the late Richard D. Hurley and Lillian F. Murphy Hurley.
Larry had a fulfilling life filled with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to his family and country. He proudly served his nation in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, displaying his dedication to duty and honor.
Professionally, Larry worked in the construction industry, leaving a lasting impact through his hard work and craftsmanship. He had a remarkable ability to fix things and enjoyed tinkering around the house, a skill he often used to make life better for his loved ones.
Larry had a special passion for antique cars and was known for buying and restoring them over the years. His love for these vintage vehicles was a reflection of his appreciation for the beauty of craftsmanship.
Larry was a devoted family man, and he cherished the moments spent with his loved ones. He had a knack for making people laugh and creating joyous memories that will be treasured forever.
He is survived by his twin sister, Maureen Gatins of Fleming Island, FL, and sister Patricia Polverari of Vero Beach, FL. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Sandy Cordova, grandson Jay Faires, and granddaughter Taylor Faires. Larry was predeceased by his sisters Elaine Dimmick, Irene Shilling, Virginia Brunicarde, and a brother Richard Hurley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 12 noon at St. Helen Catholic Church, with burial in Crestlawn Cemetery. Prior to the Mass, the family will receive friends at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home from 10:30 to 11:30 am.
Larry’s love, laughter, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to bring smiles to our hearts.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Joe St.Clair, 96, Vero Beach
April 7, 1927 – October 6, 2023
Joe St.Clair passed into the care of God on October 6, 2023. John William St.Clair was born to William St.Clair and Zoe St.Clair (Meehan) on April 7, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY with his twin sister, Veronica, who predeceased him four days later, he joined an older brother Bill to complete their family. Growing up during the Great Depression he faced many challenges with grace and tenacity. He served honorably in the U.S. Army in Italy towards the end of WWII. He married Catherine Elizabeth Becker on November 30, 1957. Joe and Catherine had three children over the next five years. Joe’s career as a NY State Court Officer encompassed four decades. He retired as the Assistant Clerk of Courts in Kew Gardens, Queens in 1989. Joe and Catherine retired to Vero Beach, FL in the mid- 1990’s.
Joe is survived by his wife of sixty-five years; Catherine, his children; Stephen (Maureen) St.Clair; Stephen’s children; Jeffrey St.Clair and Ashley (Nick) Tarricone, and Stephen and Maureen’s children; Christopher and Stephen; Scott (Kandy) St.Clair and Scott’s children; Melissa and Mallory St.Clair; and Susan (Joe) Gaskin and their daughters; Katie (Mario) Mancini, and Christie (Kevin) Donaghue. He was “Pop-Pop” to all of them. Joe was also great-“Pop-Pop” to Brayden and Sophia Tarricone, Leonardo Joseph Mancini, and Joseph Daniel Donaghue.
He will be deeply missed by all.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Lawrence Domenic Simonetti, 93, Vero Beach
December 12, 1929 – October 7, 2023
Lawrence Domenic Simonetti, 93, died October 7, 2023 at HarborChase of Vero Beach, FL.
Larry lived in Maynard, Massachusetts before retiring to Cape Cod and then settling in Florida in 2000 with his wife.
He served his country during the Korean War with the US Navy and then worked in the automobile industry as a well-respected Parts Manager for many years.
Larry was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Beverley and his son, Lawrence Jr. He leaves behind his loving family: son, Steven and his wife, daughter Janie and her husband, grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with his many friends and helpers at HarborChase.