From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Bernard “Chic” Engle, 96, Vero Beach
March 09, 1927 – January 11, 2024
Bernard “Chic” Engle, 96, of Vero Beach passed away on January 11, 2024, joining his sons James and Brian, parents William and Amelia Engle, and nine siblings, in their eternal home.
Born on March 9, 1927, in Lowell, Ohio, he was the 9th of 12 children. He took extreme pride in saying he grew up a “farm boy” on the family’s 3,000-acre farm, where he learned the value of hard work.
Before graduating high school, he joined the Navy to serve his country during WW2 and was stationed aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet CV-12. He served as an aviation ordnance man for the duration of the war. In May of 2014, at the age of 87, he was asked to join the graduating class of his hometown high school in Ohio, where he delivered the keynote speech and received his diploma, 69 years later, to a standing ovation.
After his military service Chic was recruited as a fruit and vegetable inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). During that time, he was sent to many different States inspecting the various agricultural products and operating plants, and in December of 1952 found himself in Vero Beach. Shortly after arriving, he met his wife of 70 years, Mary D. “Sonia” Jones. They were married at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in June of 1953, and began raising their family and making Vero Beach their home.
After leaving the USDA, Chic became the General Manager of Indian River Associates Packing House, where he remained until his retirement 25 years later. He was well-known and highly respected among his peers for his work ethic and knowledge of the citrus industry.
A member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church he was part of the Harvest Festival Inaugural Committee, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. A sports enthusiast, throughout the years he was active with both Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs. In addition to serving as President of both the Pony League and Colt League divisions, you could also hear him announcing games from the press box or find him dragging the field after ballgames. In his later years, he enjoyed playing golf and watching his grandchildren in their activities.
Chic is survived by his devoted wife Sonia (Mary), his loving children, Gina, Greg, Rita and Sharon, grandchildren, Charley, Jameson, Sarah, Amber, Ridge, Rachel, Hannah, and Dillon, 22 great grandchildren, sister Zita Izzo (Joe) of Jackson WY., brother Jim Engle (Carolyn), of Columbus, OH., and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 5:00-6:30 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024, at St. Helen Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will immediately follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles William “Bud” Anderson, 88, Palm Bay
September 04, 1935 – January 30, 2024
Charles William “Bud” Anderson, age 88, passed away January 30, 2024 at William Childs Hospice House.
Bud was born September 4, 1935 in Newberry, MI.
Mr. Anderson served in the United States Navy during Korea and Vietnam. After his 26 years in the United States Military, he joined the state of Michigan as an educator for an additional 15 years.
He was a member of Rudyard Christian Reformed Church.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Anderson; daughter, Karen Gibson; sons, William (Pam) Anderson and Charles (Kim) Anderson; grandchildren, Ryan (Monika) Anderson, William (Christina) Dewitt, Bradley (Ara) Dewitt, Karl (Baige) Dewitt; great-grandchildren, Ben and Estella Anderson, Claire, Luke, and Elle Dewitt; sister, Matilda (John) Beaudrie.
He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Elain McKinney and Darlene McKillop.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2024, with details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rudyard Christian School, 10702 W 17 Mile Rd, Rudyard, MI 49780.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Lawrence Andrew Rivera, 67, Lincoln Park
December 01, 1956 – January 24, 2024
Lawrence Andrew Rivera, age 67, passed away on Wednesday January 24, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and resided in Lincoln Park where he was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Mail Carrier for twenty-two years. He was a member of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club.
Survivors include his wife Diane Rivera; daughter Kara Targia; son-in-law Christopher Targia; Pop Pop to Teddy and Layla; brothers James Rivera, Ignacio Rivera, and Alexis Rivera; sisters Yoly Santigo and Mary Ann Gulbach.
Lawrence was predeceased by his brother Michael Rivera; sisters Diane Rivera and Dolly Wilson.
A Memorial Service will be announced at a future date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Philip Peter Strazzulla, 64, Vero Beach
May 31, 1959 – January 29, 2024
PHILIP PETER STRAZZULLA, a third-generation Treasure Coast resident, Florida citrus grower and successful Commercial Real Estate Agent, 64, of Vero Beach, Florida died peacefully at home Monday, January 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. Philip was born in Boynton Beach in 1959 and spent his childhood in Fort Pierce and his adult life in Vero Beach. He was a graduate of John Carroll High School in 1977. Philip attended the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree emphasis in Design Theory and Environmental Technology. He received a degree of Associate of Science in Environmental Technology for his work in geology from the University of Colorado at Denver. In addition, Philip received a Bachelor of Finance in the College of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University with an emphasis on investment analysis and management of financial institutions in 1986. After graduating college, Philip was appointed Manager of Strazzulla Bros Co. Inc. Real Estate Holdings, comprising 1,800 acres of farmland in Palm Beach County, 1,700 acres of citrus, and a 5,600 acre cattle ranch in St. Lucie County. Philip was responsible for permitting, engineering, development and planning for the company’s holdings. His work was instrumental in the establishment of the Capron Trail Community Development District and permitting the Capron Trail Project. Philip was recently named President of Strazzulla Brothers Co. Inc. preceded by his late father Joseph P. Strazzulla. The Strazzulla family has been in the agri-business, real estate management and development, and citrus industries since 1948.
Philip was a well-respected commercial Realtor and instrumental in land development, planning and sales of specific private, agri-business and corporate real estate endeavors. As a steward of the land, Philip assisted in the development and sale of company owned lands, including commercial shopping centers, golf and country clubs, (Wycliffe, Stonebridge, Sundial) residential communities, and planned municipal community districts. Notably, Philip and his father Joseph P. Strazzulla, worked together to develop the Wycliffe Country Club Development from 1988 to 1992. For the last 29 years, Philip has focused on Treasure Coast residential and commercial real estate projects. Philip holds past board affiliations with the Saint Lucie County Farm Bureau, Indian River Citrus League, USDA Citrus Administrative Committee, SFWMD Ag Advisory Committee, FDOC Research Advisory Committee, Indian River Housing Authority and Committee Member of the Treasure Coast Builders Association. His recent affiliations include the National Association of Realtors, Realtors Association of Indian River County and Coldwell Banker Commercial.
As an enthusiast of the skies, seas, and the great outdoors, Philip’s passions included fishing, diving, skiing, and enjoying the beauty of Florida’s natural landscape. Philip received his private pilots license at the age of fifteen and was an avid pilot, sailor and sportsman. His annual family sailing trips to the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas were a testament to his love for adventure.
Philip and his wife of 36 years, Therese M. Strazzulla, married in Vero Beach, June 27, 1987. Terri’s unwavering love and support sustained Philip after a tragic accident in 2002, showcasing the power of their enduring relationship rooted in faith, love, persistence and determination. They have two daughters, Allison Strazzulla Cloughley (James Grant Cloughley) and Amelia Jane Strazzulla and two grandchildren, Merritt Jean Cloughley and James Graham Cloughley of Vero Beach Florida. His special bond with his daughters and grandchildren will forever be a testament to the strength and the integrity of family.
Philip was the eldest son of the late Joseph Philip Strazzulla of Vero Beach. Surviving his mother Helen Jane Strazzulla and five brothers and sisters, their children and their spouses, Donna and Joel Hollis of St. Augustine, Teresa Sewell of Okeechobee, Frank and Cheri Strazzulla and Dominic and Lori Strazzulla all of Vero Beach, and Paul and Cindi Strazzulla of Fort Meade. Philip was the much loved Uncle to Sean Paul (Angie) Sewell, Ashley (Joe) Zito, Francesca and Austin Strazzulla, Nicholas, Vail and Sophia Strazzulla, Kelly Mank, Keaton (Eden) Mank and Lily Strazzulla and great nieces and nephew, Nora, Charlotte and Oliver Sewell. Philip is also survived by his Uncle John Strazzulla and his wife Nancy of Vero Beach and his Aunt Regina and her husband Andy Rockefeller of Lexington, Massachusetts, and his Uncles Dan Silvero and Dr. Peter Silvero (Beth) of Park City, Utah. Philip was the much beloved cousin of Laura Strazzulla Burns (Tim) and daughter Sarah Burns of Boca Raton, Chris Strazzulla (Jenni) of Lincolnville, Maine with boys Jack and Chris P. Strazzulla, Tory Rockefeller (James Hollowell) of Homer, Alaska with daughter Maple Hollowell and Lisa Rockefeller (Ned Sebelius) with sons George, Hugh and Philip Sebelius of Boston, Massachusetts.
Philip is preceded by his late father Joseph P. Strazzulla, late grandfather Philip Strazzulla, formerly of Vero Beach, grandparents Peter and Dorothy Silvero and his late great uncles Frank Strazzulla, formerly of Fort Pierce and Dominic Strazzulla, formerly of Belmont, Massachusetts.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County in memory of Philip P. Strazzulla.
Scholarship Foundation of Indian River
P.O. Box 1820
Vero Beach, FL 32961-1820
Or online at www.sfindianriver.org
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Thomas Clifford Fritz, 83, Vero Beach
December 11, 1940 – January 29, 2024
Thomas Clifford Fritz, age 83, died January 29, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida.
He was born December 11, 1940, in Monroe, Wisconsin.
After earning a 4-year degree in Music Education, at Miami University, Oxford, OH, he lived in Indianapolis, IN; Key West, FL; Charleston, SC; Norfolk, VA; Honolulu, HI; La Mesa, CA; Long Beach, CA; Newport, RI; Sun Prairie, WI; Springfield/ Fairfax, VA; and Vero Beach, FL.
Tom was a career Naval Officer, qualified in the Navy for Command at Sea, retiring after 24 years of service as Commander, USN. During his first 12 years in the Navy, he served 3 tours in Vietnam and supported 5 campaigns. He attended Naval Destroyer School, Naval Command and Staff College, the Naval War College, and taught at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Campus. He spent the last 11 years of his career at the pentagon working for the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Naval Personnel, and the Chief of Naval Research.
He was awarded 3 meritorious service medals, two Naval Commendation Medals and the Navy Achievement Medal. He earned ribbons and medals for National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Frond, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Expert Pistol Medals, Navy Unit Commendation, RVN Staff Service 1st Class, and RVN Civic Action 1st Class.
Following retirement in 1987, Tom worked for defense contractors in Washington, D.C., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Ft. Pierce, FL, and the Transportation Board of Counsel Aging, Vero Beach, FL where he established the GoLine Public Transportation System for Indian River County. In 1997, CDR Fritz and his wife Sue Ann, opened Fritz Violin Shop and started the public school orchestra program which has grown in size and stature, acquiring both national and international acclaim for excellence. He then started the Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra, which is a volunteer community orchestra service for our local citizens. During this time, he taught Violin and Viola to public and private students in the community.
In 1992, Tom joined Trinity Episcopal Church and subsequently served as a member of the Vestry and Senior Warden. He served on the building committee and was co-chair of the capital campaign for Trinity raising over $12 million dollars. He transferred to Christ Church Vero Beach and helped to establish their new church in the Vero Mall and then transferred to St. Paul’s Church serving again on the building committee for the new church on Flamevine Lane on the Barrier Island.
CDR Fritz was an accomplished Violinist, having played for over 70 years, and a founding member of the Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra, where he played first violin. Tom performed in a number of String Quartets and was a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise.
Survivors include his loving spouse, Sue Ann (Shaw) Fritz; sons CAPT David Thomas Fritz, USN RET (Terri) and SCPO Douglas Todd Fritz, USN (Betsy); 3 granddaughters Erin Elizabeth Morillo (Jan Paul), Emily Paige Holland (Cameron), and Leah Nicole McCrary (Taylor); and 1 great grandson Christian James Morillo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra, P.O. Box 651334, Vero Beach, FL 32965.
Interment for Commander Fritz with full military honors will be held 9:00 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, Florida 32754.
A Celebration of Commander Fritz’s Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at Christ Church Vero Beach, 667 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Damian Joseph Holzmann, 65, Indian River County
August 04, 1958 – November 17, 2023
Damian Joseph Holzmann, age 65, died on November 17, 2023, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was born in Denville, New Jersey to Richard Thomas Holzmann and Catherine Mary Kennedy but spent a large part of his early life busily moving between Philadelphia and Southern California. As a young man, he tenaciously overcame every obstacle he was confronted with and still found time to enjoy going surfing at the beach, riding motorcycles, and even catching big game fish.
Working in international business, Damian was grateful for the opportunity to travel extensively during the 1970s and 80s. He toured industrial plants in Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Having been to many cold and faraway places, he fell in love with Florida and moved his newly betrothed wife Marian Theresa DeCourcey to Indian River County, where he broke ground on their dream home. In Vero Beach, Damian enjoyed taking his children to every kind of activity, holding bonfires in the winter, and taking short road trips to see his favorite sports team, the Miami Dolphins. Eventually he sold his Melbourne-based printed circuit board and lighting solutions business — retiring in 2009.
Throughout his life, he was known for his boisterous good humor, enduring love of music, and willingness to help anyone in need. He worked tirelessly to provide his family with a comfortable life, for which they are forever thankful. Damian is survived by his wife Marian, his four children Shannon, Kelly, Colin, and Connor, and his two grandchildren Ava and Levi. His strength, faith, and kindness will be sorely missed.
“Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance…”
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Joan Gentile, 90, Hutchinson Island
January 27, 1934 – February 08, 2024
Joan Gentile, age 90, of Hutchinson Island, FL
formerly of Huntington, NY, peacefully passed away on
Thursday February 8, 2024.
Born on January 27, 1934 in Glendale, NY, she was the beloved daughter of Frederick & Blanche Betthenhauser.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Michael Gentile. She is survived by her children, Mindy Distante (Mark) of Waxhaw NC and Larry Gentile (Vilma) of Dix Hills, NY; Dear grandmother of Michael Distante, Matthew Distante, Joseph Distante, Melissa Gentile, Michael Gentile and Madison Gentile.
She was the dear sister of Robert, Lorraine, Betty, Anna, Frederick, Charles and William.
Joan had many hobbies through the years from sewing, clay pottery & quilting.
She will be most remembered for the love of her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews.
She gave the best of herself to her children and grandkids, always.
A gathering of family and friends will be held 10:00-11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory located at 1655 27th Street Vero Beach, with a prayer service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Treasure Coast Hospice at www.treasurehealth.org/292/Donate.
Arrangements are by Thoams S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Tyler Grove, 69, Vero Beach
December 23, 1954 – February 07, 2024
John Tyler Grove, a longtime resident of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on February 7, 2024 in Vero Beach.
Tyler is survived by his wife of 44 years, Georgena (Gena) Keith Grove, his daughters Jennifer Thornton and Meagan Biegalski, stepchildren Dana Turk and Andrew Harper, and ten grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father Edwin W. Grove III, mother Alyce Allen Grove, and three brothers, Geoffrey, Edwin W. IV, and David Grove. Tyler was a lifelong enthusiast of the sea and nature.
He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 23, 1954. From infancy, he was raised on the sea. Until age 7, he resided on a boat with his parents, traveling the eastern seaboard from Nova Scotia to Key Largo. There he developed a natural connection with and appreciation for marine life, birds, and animals. Nature was his classroom and he gained immense pleasure in observing and appreciating its wonders. He attended Miami Country Day School, The Winchendon School in Massachusetts, and graduated from St. Edward’s School in Vero Beach, Florida. As an adult, he enjoyed working outdoors and established a landscaping business in Indian River Shores. Also, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Charter Captain, he established Tyler Grove Fishing Charters to share his love and knowledge of the Indian River and Atlantic Ocean. Tyler enjoyed numerous hobbies including gardening, boat building, fly fishing, photography, skeet shooting, and woodworking. His friends recall and respected his vast knowledge of boats, wildlife, and the natural world.
Tyler will be remembered for his kindness, stories of fascinating worlds, an innate wisdom, and steadfast love and loyalty to those he held dear. This world will miss his beautiful heart. Services will be determined by the family at a later date.
In memory of Tyler Grove, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Humane Society Vero Beach and Indian River County at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, FL 32967 (https://hsvb.org/) or to Indian River Land Trust at 3150 Cardinal Dr., Suite 201, Vero Beach, FL 32963 (https://www.irlt.org/).
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
