From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Gerelda Tripp Rhodes, 89, Vero Beach
October 31, 1934 – December 10, 2023
Gerelda Tripp Rhodes, age 89, of Vero Beach, Florida died December 10, 2023. She was born in Okeechobee, FL on October 31, 1934 to Joseph and Clara Tripp. She married Thomas T. Rhodes on Dec 28, 1963 at Community Church in Vero.
Gerre moved to Vero Beach with her sister Laverta in 1952 shortly after graduating from Lakeland High School. Having an aptitude for numbers, she worked at Irv Memmott’s accounting practice for 20 years.
As a member of Community Church, she served as a Trustee in the 1970s, and also volunteered at Riverside Theatre. She was a member of the Garden Club in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. She and Tom formed a partnership with a few close friends to start Sunshine Laundries in 1977. Tom and Gerre were one of the earliest multi-store laundry owners in the industry. But she will mostly be remembered for owning and operating GT Rhodes, a fine men’s clothing store in Sexton Plaza since 1981 and recently closed in November 2022. She loved helping customers look their best and enjoyed working there 6 days a week for over 40 years. Customers loved her energy, drive, and friendliness.
She is survived by her two children, Thomas T. Rhodes II (Sophie) of Vero Beach and Susannah R. Scarlatos (Vincent) of Winter Park. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Kaitlin &; Alexander Scarlatos and Colin & Madelaine Rhodes.
A service will be held at Community Church of Vero Beach January 5, 2024 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Community Church of Vero Beach or the Visiting Nurses Association.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Nancy Rampino, 77, Franklin, MA
October 9, 1946 – December 14, 2023
In Loving Memory of Nancy Rampino
Nancy Rampino, a devoted wife, mother, and caregiver, peacefully passed away on December 14, 2023. Born on October 9, 1946, in Dorchester, MA, she was the cherished daughter of John and Julia Cashen. Nancy, a proud graduate of St. Clair High School in 1964, grew up in Hyde Park, MA, and later moved to Franklin, MA, in 1973 with her loving husband Raymond, whom she married on December 27, 1968.
Nancy leaves behind a legacy of love and family, survived by her three children, Kristen, Gregory, and Courtney, and her sister, Maureen. She was a source of strength and inspiration to her grandchildren Ryley, Nicholas, Alex, and Leanna. Nancy adored her beloved dog Juliette, who brought joy to her life.
A devout Catholic, Nancy found solace and purpose in her faith, dedicating herself to the service of others. She worked as a long-term Administrative Assistant at Horace Mann Middle School, leaving a positive impact on both colleagues and students. Her commitment to community extended to volunteering at St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin, MA, where she served as a CCD teacher and Eucharistic minister.
Nancy’s generosity knew no bounds, not only in her professional life but also as a loving caregiver to her family. She created a warm and nurturing home in Franklin, where she raised her children and shared countless cherished moments with her husband, Raymond. Her enduring love for family was evident in every aspect of her life.
Her journey was marked by memories of fur babies Bullet, Bryce, Jake, Marcello, and Maria, who preceded her in death. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Nancy’s exceptional medical team in the community and the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Indian River Hospital.
Nancy Rampino’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Michael P. DeBenedetto, 94, Vero Beach
November 8, 1929 – December 17, 2023
Michael P. DeBenedetto, 94, of Vero Beach, FL died on December 17, 2023 after a brief illness.
He was born on November 8, 1929 to Lucia (DiPilato) and Dominic DeBenedetto in Worcester, MA but raised in Cambridge. He married Virginia (Collins) of Somerville, MA in 1955 and together they settled in Tewksbury, MA where they raised their three children Marisa A. LeForge of Williamsburg, VA, Michael J. DeBenedetto of Jacksonville, FL, and Paula A. Costa of Winter Garden, FL, all of whom survive him. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Nicholas (Joy) Costa of Arnhem, Netherlands, Chelsea (Abraham) Aquilar, Thomas Costa, John (Isabelle) Costa, Francisco Costa of Florida and Mitchell LeForge (Jamie Edwards), and Trevor LeForge of Virginia. He had one great- grandchild, Luca LeForge, with one on the way.
He is a veteran of the Korean War in the US Army. He will be buried at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach next to his wife, Virginia, who predeceased him.
A visitation will be held at St. John of the Cross Catholic church in Vero Beach on December 27 at noon with a funeral Mass following at 1 pm. Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to share it here on his page.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Dr. Robert W. Conn, Jr., 91
July 04, 1932 – December 20, 2023
Obituary to follow.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Nancy Carol Carder, 84
February 5, 1939 – December 20, 2023
Obituary to Follow.