From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Clifford Vincent Melvin, 67
April 20, 1956 – December 15, 2023
Clifford Vincent Melvin, age 67, passed away December 15, 2023, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
He was born April 20, 1956, in Pensacola, Florida. He was the son of Sherman and Lorraine Melvin.
Clifford was a graduate of University of Florida and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He was a United Methodist Minister for over 35 years. Most recently, he attended Community Church of Vero Beach.
In Vero Beach, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, United Against Poverty, Beachland Elementary, and Salvation Army. While in Huntingtown, Maryland he served with Honduras Compassion Partners, Summit Men, and End Hunger.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross; son, Matthew Vincent Melvin; mother, Lorraine Melvin; sisters, Cindy Scott and Jeanette Roccanova; brothers, Glenn Melvin and Paul Melvin.
He was predeceased by his father, Sherman V. Melvin and brother, Robert Melvin.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at The Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd. Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 with Rev. Dr. Anna Copeland officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honduras Compassion Partners, P.O. Box 177, Huntingtown, MD 20639 or by visiting https://ppay.co/IuanobULu28
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
William Edward Laverty (Bill), 72, Florida
July 09, 1951 – December 18, 2023
William Edward Laverty (Bill), age 72, died December 18, 2023, in Vero Beach, Florida. He died of natural causes after being diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia several years ago. He was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Before moving to Florida to be closer to family, Bill lived in Brooklyn, New York, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and Manhattan, New York and White Plains, NY.
He is survived by his children, Max and Hannah, his wife of 43 years, Paula, and his brother, Peter Laverty. He was predeceased by his parents, William J. Laverty (2000) and Margaret Laverty (2012), and his brother Paul Laverty (1992).
Bill graduated Summa Cum Laude from Villanova University in 1973 where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and an integral member of the Villanova lacrosse team, playing goalie and midfield positions. He received his MBA from Boston College in 1976.
Bill spent most of his life living and working in New York City as a Bond Underwriter for a veritable “who’s who” of Wall Street firms from 1973 through 2021. He retired from Academy Securities in 2021. As a municipal bond underwriter, Bill worked hand in hand with dozens of municipalities with the financing of everything from power plants to sports complexes. Notable among the many deals are the original and current Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ, and the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.
Bill was active and energetic and relished his time with family and friends. He loved hiking, kayaking, and bird watching but was happiest when skiing a challenging trail at Vail or Park City. He loved spending time at the family camp near Moosehead Lake in Maine, which, with no cell phone service, electricity, or running water was always a point of pride for Bill. His commitment to Boston sports teams was legendary. He refused to allow his children to become Yankee fans, and until his last days would still scoff at anyone wearing a Yankee cap. He accurately predicted, in 2000, that the Red Sox would win the World Series in 2004.
Bill’s greatest passion was his involvement in his children’s sports activities. He rarely missed a game, even when they were away at boarding school or college. Always active and energetic on the sidelines, Bill managed to be red-carded by the referees during at least three soccer games. He was loved by all of Max and Hannah’s teammates as the “Dad with the blue cooler” full of Gatorade from middle school through college athletics.
Bill’s favorite restaurant was Sparks Steakhouse in Manhattan, NY. As a great way to toast his memory, raise a glass of good Pinot Noir with your steak at Sparks!
Memorial contributions may be donated to the Squash and Education Alliance, 75 Broad Street, Suite 407, New York, NY 10004. The Squash and Education Alliance is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization governing body for all youth sport-based non-profits that combine academic enrichment and college placement with the sport of squash for inner city youth in more than 20 cities in the United States.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Ronald William Frederick, 85, Vero Beach
July 18, 1938 – January 15, 2024
Ronald William Frederick, age 85, passed away peacefully at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida.
He was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Frank and Agnes Frederick.
Ronald served in the United State Navy as a Jet Mechanic and had advanced training in aircraft engines, aircraft fuel systems, aircraft props, and the Bluejackets Manual.
After Ronalds’ military career he began working as a Millwright in the Local 1121 (Boston, Mass.).
Ronald was an avid boater and fisherman. He was a member of the Freedom Boat Club and made many memories with family and friends while on the water.
Survivors include children Linda Snow (William) of Whitman, Massachusetts and Christine Hurley (Robert) of Laconia, New Hampshire; grandchildren Stephanie, Bill, Katie, Shawn, Ronnie, and Robbie; great grandchildren to seven; siblings Michelle and Nancy; and companion JoAnn Lambert.
Ronald was predeceased by his wife Joanne Frederick of 56 years, his son Ronald (Bub), and brother Johnny, Tommy, and Sonny.
A Gathering will be held on Friday, January 19th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the VNA Hospice House at 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
Verne E. Kenney, 96, Vero Beach
June 22, 1927 – January 13, 2024
Verne E. Kenney, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the age of 96.
Verne was born on June 22, 1927, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Hercy (“HF”) and Ione (Bond) Kenney. He graduated in 1945 from Cooley High School in Detroit, where he was recognized as all-state catcher in baseball all four years. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Navy Seabees during the closing days of WW2. Following his military service, he tried out and was offered a contract in the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. After seeking counsel, he instead enrolled in Detroit Business College where he earned his Bachelor of Marketing degree. It was in college that he met his wife Marion McKendrick McKean.
Verne and Marion were married on August 26, 1950, in Detroit, where their children were born. His job with Michigan Farm Bureau took him to the Lansing area, and the family settled in the small town of Williamston, where Verne was active in church, on the school board, and on the township planning commission. In 1978 Verne took a new position in Albany, New York, with Farm Family Insurance. Following the passing of his wife Marion in 1988, Verne was blessed to reconnect with an old friend from his church in Detroit, and on October 8, 1989, he married the second love of his life, Joanne Davis. After his retirement from Farm Family as CEO in 1990, they relocated to Naples, Florida, where they lived until moving to Vero Beach in 2018.
Verne’s faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, was central to his life. As a young dad, he and a number of other members of his church started a summer camp called Camp Pembroke, and for years he and Marion spent part of their vacation volunteering at the camp.
Verne was an avid golfer and played regularly into his 90s. He enjoyed and owned many classic cars over the years, including a 1934 Ford coupe and a 1989 Chevrolet Corvette. He was a good friend, a gracious host, and a kind and loving father and grandfather. He lived with gratitude, never failing to express appreciation for his loving wife and, in recent months, the kindness of his caregivers.
Verne was preceded in death by his father, Hercy F. Kenney, and his mother, Ione Elizabeth (Bond) Kenney; his sister Ruth Kenney Rogers, and his stepson Jeff Davis.
He is survived by his wonderful wife Joanne; his two children, Verne (Linda) Kenney, and Faye (Don) Watkins; his step-daughter, Teri (Michael) Brant; 11 grandchildren, G. Wesley Kenney, Jaime Brown, Stephen Davis, Kendra Coulter, Julia Peterson, Travis Brant, Krissy Sousa, Scott Peterson, Emily Williams, and Erica Brant; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2:00pm at The Brennity in Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VNA & Hospice Foundation of Vero Beach or to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Lucy Mary Riggio, 97, Vero Beach
August 18, 1926 – January 10, 2024
Lucy Mary Riggio, 97 and longtime resident of Vero Beach Florida passed away on January 10, 2024. She worked for the Clerk of Court for many years in Vero Beach and also Broward County prior.
Lucy was predeceased by husband, Michael Patrick Riggio.
She is survived by son, Anthony Riggio (Marina) and daughters, JoAnn Branner (Roy), Marie Fitzgerald (Bob) and Michele Perrault, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will held at a later date.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
