From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Debra “Kay” Scott Clem, 70
July 19, 1953 – June 09, 2024
Debra “Kay” Scott Clem was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on July 19, 1953. Kay moved with her mother, father, and two brothers to Chattahoochee, Florida, a small rural town on the Florida panhandle that she affectionately called “the Hooch,” where she grew up and attended school. Upon graduation from Chattahoochee High School, she completed several semesters at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida and remained a proud Seminole fan throughout her life.
Kay carved her own path by entering the political workforce in her early twenties, where her natural intelligence, work ethic, and charisma moved her swiftly up the corporate ladder in an era where few women were able. She worked in the Office of the Senate President in Tallahassee for a number of years and subsequently served as Executive Director of the State Republican Party of Florida, becoming a key player in bringing the Republican Party into new political prominence in the State of Florida.
She married her devoted husband, attorney Chester Clem, and moved to his hometown of Vero Beach following their wedding in 1989. Kay and Chester were blessed with the birth of twin daughters, Mary Katherine and Elizabeth, in 1992. In addition to her busy professional life, Kay so enjoyed the fulfillment that motherhood brought and avidly served on the PTA and attended as many school, sports, social, and other extracurricular activities as possible. She was exceptionally proud of both her daughters and their accomplishments.
Kay continued to pursue her interest in politics and service in Vero Beach. When the office of Supervisor of Elections for Indian River County came open in 1996, she was elected to the position, where she dutifully served the community for approximately 14 years. Kay’s passion for the job was evident, leaving only after suffering the debilitating onset of her chronic neurological disability. During her tenure, she received many accolades for her service and hard work and was particularly instrumental in guiding Indian River through a smooth election during the otherwise contentious 2000 presidential election of Bush v. Gore.
Kay had great affection for Chester’s three sons by his prior marriage and worked hard to ensure that all family members maintained a close and loving relationship. She always expressed her pride in her family and worked tirelessly to keep family love and friendship in place.
Kay had many other admirable qualities. She was a practicing Episcopalian all her life. She loved to read, but more than anything, enjoyed making other people laugh, a skill that she was especially adept at employing. Kay will be remembered by all her friends and family for her wonderful and witty sense of humor and infectious laugh, which she steadfastly maintained throughout her years-long battles with her chronic disability and End-Stage Renal Disease.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Chester, daughters, Mary Kate and Liz (TJ), stepsons, Zander (Carmen), Jeff, and Chester (Stacy), and step grandchildren, Cristina, Isabella, Alexander, and Emma. The family will have a private memorial in her honor.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Donald Earl Kenney, 93
February 18, 1931 – May 06, 2024
Donald Earl Kenney, age 93, passed away May 6, 2024 at Kindred Hospital.
He was born February 18, 1931 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to the late Lewis and Martha Kenney.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan E. Kenney.
A Memorial Service will be held 11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 2725 58th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32966.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Phillip Evan Risinger Sr., 89, Vero Beach
July 13, 1934 – June 06, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Phillip Evan Risinger Sr, who left us peacefully on June 6, 2024, at the age of 89. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to those who knew him.
Born July 13 in St. Louis, Missouri, Phil lived a Christian life full of love, kindness, and compassion. He touched the lives of many with his generosity and unwavering spirit. Phil was known for his strength of character, dedication to family and friends, good nature, and love for his wife Ann.
Phil graduated from the University of Missouri in 1957, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. After graduating, Phil enlisted in the Navy from 1957-1963 in the Flight Training Program where he reached Lieutenant. After the Navy Phil started his career in Advertising at D’Arcy Advertising in St. Louis. After D’Arcy he led the advertising teams at Minute Maid in Orlando, and Tupperware in Kissimmee where he won a Clio for the campaign “Put a lock on freshness” and then ran New Richmond Foods in Wisconsin. After a year of the cold, he and Ann moved back to Florida where Phil started a printing company in Miami. He then moved to Oklahoma City and led the advertising team at Ackerman McQueen Agency. He finished his career spending 20 years as the CEO of the KFC National Cooperative Advertising Program, Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky.
Phil’s advertising career gave him many opportunities to enjoy his passion for golf. He was invited to play in several Pro-Ams including, Pebble Beach Golf Links, National Golf Links of America, several Kentucky Derby Festival Pro-Ams, and winning the Doral Pro-am in 1970. He played in 6 NBC Players Championship events at TPC Sawgrass. He also had the opportunity to play golf in Ireland on two separate occasions. But his top passion and accomplishments always centered around his family. Phil was particularly proud of his children and grandchildren growing up to be just like he and Ann, loving, hard-working, good-natured people.
Phil retired to Vero Beach, Florida in 1997 where he continued to enjoy golf as a member of Vero Beach Country Club.
Phil is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann; his children, Susanne (Jason) Geer; Phillip (Samantha) Risinger; Jennifer (Charlie) Beery; and Stephanie Schindler. He also had 10 grandchildren, Alex, Hayley and Sam Geer; Camden and Reed Risinger; Madison and Evan Beery; Tyo and Oliver Schindler and 1 great-grandchild, Dalton. He is predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Lucille Risinger; brother, Stephen; daughter, Elizabeth; and granddaughter, Emily.
Though Phil is now in heaven. He will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. His legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire us every day.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, #101, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or by visiting https://vnatc.org/
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Thomas Joseph Aspromonte, 73, Vero Beach
March 20, 1951 – June 09, 2024
Thomas Joseph Aspromonte, 73 of Vero Beach, Florida passed away unexpectedly on June 9th, 2024.
Tom was born on March 20th, 1951, in Hackensack, New Jersey to Salvatore and Carmella Aspromonte.
Tom is a graduate of Fair Lawn High School class of 1969. Following graduation, he furthered his passion for cars by working for numerous car dealerships and various roles including mechanic, service advisor, and sales in New Jersey and Florida including Volvo, BMW, Cadillac, and Honda.
Tom met his wife Cindy and they married in August of 1986. They started their life together and began their family in Fair Lawn, New Jersey and then in 1995, they chose their forever home in Vero Beach, Florida.
He leaves behind his wife Cindy, daughters, Chrissy and Lana, and son, Max. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie and Brother-In- Law, John Ribardo, nephew, Johnny Ribardo, Aunt Anne Luppino, and many cousins.
Tom is joining his son, Anthony, his father and mother, and his sister Roz in heaven.
Tom was awarded a lifetime member of the Italian American Club of Vero Beach, where he served as president for several years. Tom made a friend any place he went and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held at Christ Fellowship in Vero Beach, Florida on Saturday the 22nd of June at 11:00 am.
Donations can be made to the Italian American Civic Association in Vero Beach, Florida in memory of Tom or to a charity of your choice
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Antoinette Frances Pope, ‘Toni’, 88, Vero Beach
December 23, 1935 – June 10, 2024
Our beloved mother and best friend Antoinette Frances Pope, ‘Toni’, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on June 10, 2024. Toni was predeceased by her husband Frank Pope in 2020. Toni was born in Inwood, Long Island, New York to Matilda and Micheal Iannico. As a child she learned to play the piano and organ and played for church services at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. She had a career in the insurance industry for many years and was graduated from Lawrence High School.
After moving with her family to Vero Beach in 1976, Toni was an avid tennis player and loved to cook and entertain her many friends. Both Toni and Frank were active in the Riverside Theatre for many years and loved to travel. They also enjoyed their card group.
Toni’s family was a large part of her life. She will be greatly missed by her two children, Karen (Ramon) Echeverria and Kenneth (Bernard) Pope. She is the proud grandmother to Amanda (Daniel) Brown, Alexandra (Robert) Dillon and Aimee Echeverria.Also, she is great grandmother to Haley, Jordyn, Everleigh and Jameson.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11 AM at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach FL.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
