From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Michael Silvey, 76, Vero Beach
July 13, 1947 – April 20, 2024
Michael Silvey age 76, of Vero Beach, FL passed away April 20 at the Hospice House in Vero Beach after a long battle with cancer.
Mike was born on July 13, 1947 to William and Betty Silvey in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from David Douglas High School in 1965 and attended Mt Hood Community College before entering his Naval career. Mike served 20 years in the US Navy. During his service he spent 3 years in Japan and stationed in San Diego, California and Norfolk, Virginia before retiring in 1985.
He married Linda on December 18, 1971 in San Diego, California and had 52 beautiful years together. On October 3, 1974 they welcomed their son Justin into their busy lives.
They moved to Florida in 2014 to begin their retirement in the sun. He loved playing golf until his cancers prevented him, but his love of life and his memorable sense of humor shall not be forgotten. He brightened the world just by being in it.
Mike is survived by his wife Linda, son Justin, brother Dennis and sister Peggy.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at the beautiful Hospice House in Vero Beach which took such good care of Mike in his final days; also, to our many friends and neighbors who came to the rescue more times than we can count.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Joyce Sybil McGrath, 91, Florida
December 31, 1932 – April 20, 2024
Joyce Sybil McGrath a New Year’s Eve baby born in 1932. “Joycie” as she was fondly called by some, arrived just before midnight on New Year’s Eve 1932 to Walter G. Dawe and Ethel Mae (Simms).
She was the youngest of 6 brothers and 2 sisters, all of whom have predeceased her. The only remaining family member from that generation is her sister-in-law, Rita Dawe, with whom she was also a fellow classmate of the General School of Nursing (Class of 1954).
Joyce would often joke that she was “the scrapings of the pot” as the last born of so many siblings.
She was predeceased by her husband Brian Cron McGrath (1996) whom she had met in Corner Brook in 1954 where she was beginning her nursing career.
Left to mourn are 2 children, Desmond (Michelle Parsons) and Deborah (Ed Simmons), 4 step grandchildren, 6 step great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and lifelong friends.
Joyce loved to cook, bake, and entertain, and to play bridge. Joyce was always game for an adventure, even in her mid 80’s when she traveled to Machu Picchu. She loved her home in Newfoundland, spending time in Louisiana with Desmond and Michelle, and her winters in Florida over the past 25 years. It was there that she passed on April 20th.
She will be dearly missed. There’s solace in a life well lived.
If all children in the world could have such a loving and devoted mother as Joyce, the world would be a better place. With Joyce the sun always rose.
A memorial service will be scheduled in St. John’s at a later date.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Michael W. Eirls (Mike), 59, Vero Beach
May 12, 1964 – April 21, 2024
Michael W. Eirls (Mike) of Vero Beach passed away peacefully on April 21, 2024, at the age of 59.
Mike was born on May 12, 1964, in Miami Florida to the late Nancy (Hardman) Baird and Billy DeWayne Eirls. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Deely) Eirls, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage.
Mike is also survived by his two beloved children Michael Eirls (Lauren Aldridge Eirls) and daughter Lauren Eirls. Mike was also loved by his grandchildren, Luke and Hunter Eirls, sister Jennifer Chester (Thom Chester) and many nieces and nephews.
Mike was an avid sports fan, as he was a lifelong Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Mike was a graduate of Vero Beach High School class of 1982. Mike remained in Vero Beach and spent his career as a Corrections Officer for IRCSO. Upon his retirement, Mike enjoyed working at Dodgertown.
A viewing will be held at Strunk Funeral Home on May 3, 2024, between 2 PM and 4 PM.
Mike left us behind with many cherished memories throughout the years. He will always be honored for being an incredible husband, dad, grandfather, and friend.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
John Michael Chilla, 65, Barefoot Bay
April 16, 1959 – April 20, 2024
John Michael Chilla, 65, of Barefoot Bay, Florida, and formerly of Long Neck, DE, and Downingtown, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Wendy (Whiteman) Chilla, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage.
Born in Coatesville, PA, he was the son of Patricia (Ash) Chilla and was preceded in death by John N. Chilla.
John was a 1978 Downingtown High School graduate and earned an AS in Business Administration from Salem County Community College. He embarked on a successful banking career, starting at Brandywine Savings and Loan and retiring from M&T Bank in October 2023.
A gifted athlete, John earned 7 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball during his time at Downingtown High School. He continued his athletic pursuits in college baseball and later enjoyed playing softball in various leagues throughout Chester County. His love for football extended into officiating, where he dedicated himself to both youth and collegiate levels.
John was a member of St. Anthony’s Lodge in Downingtown, PA and Amvets Post 2 in Long Neck, DE.
His love for craft beer evolved into brewing his own acclaimed creations at “Long Neck Brewing.” His meticulous brewing process led to some of the most sought-after beer on Sandpiper Lane. He delighted in sharing his brews and bourbon collection with family, friends, and neighbors.
In 2012 John moved to Delaware where he and Wendy lived the dream of being by the beach, but after much debate, decided to follow their dreams to warmer climate and moved to Sebastion Florida in November 2023.
Renowned for his humor and infectious laughter, he had a knack for lifting spirits and spreading joy wherever he went and that continued into his retirement. A radiant force of joy, he left behind a legacy of laughter and light. His spirited humor, infectious dance moves, and boundless energy never failed to illuminate any room. Forever the life of the party, John’s zest for life knew no bounds. He cherished moments at the beach, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and sharing precious times with his beloved family and friends, always with a cold beer in hand. Though he may have left this world, his vibrant spirit will continue to echo in our hearts and brighten the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him, ensuring the party never truly ends.
John is survived by his wife Wendy, his mother Patricia Chilla, daughter Rachel Chilla (Zachary Waples), son John Chilla (Tonya Sawyer), his three cherished grandchildren, Jace Chilla, Ryland and Joseph Waples and his sister Robin Brown (Terri Brown), along with his sister- in- laws and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date to honor John.
Arrangements entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Geraldine Yvonne Stachow, 84, Sebastian
July 4, 1939 – April 21, 2024
Geraldine Yvonne Stachow, aged 84, passed away on April 21, 2024. She was a beloved mother, wife, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Gerry was born on July 4, 1939, in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada, where she spent her formative years. She went on to attend university at University of Manitoba. She and her husband lived many years in Lunenburg MA before retiring to Sebastian FL. She was a homemaker, a teacher and a property manager. Throughout her life, she was known for her kindness, passion for helping others, her intellect and her stubbornness. But more than anything, Gerry was a devoted mother. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges they faced.
In her free time, Gerry enjoyed reading, games, painting, gardening and was always eager to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others. She was an active member of her community. Gerry is preceded in death by her husband Chester Stachow and is survived by her children, Theresa Stachow and Nicole (Stachow) May, and her grandchildren, Jenna May, Kira Lorvig, Paden May, Sonya Lorvig and Drew May. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
The family will honor her memory privately in New England.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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