From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Anthony James Patton III, 63
May 19, 1961 – June 08, 2024
Anthony James Patton III, died on June 8th, 2024 at the age of 63 in Vero Beach, FL.
Anthony was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania and moved from Center Township, Pennsylvania.
He was the owner of Patton Construction.
Anthony graduated from I.U.P. (Indiana University of Pennsylvania).
Survivors include his mother Deanna Patton; sister Carla Spitulski (Bob); nephews Bobby Spitulski and Nick Spitulski; and niece Mia Spitulski.
He was predeceased by his father Tony Patton and sister Lisa Patton.
A mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Vero Beach, FL on Friday, June 28th, 2024, at 12:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Deanna Patton, 1845 Robalo Drive #104D, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Bobby Ray Dean, 85, Vero Beach
October 08, 1938 – June 11, 2024
Bobby Ray Dean AKA BR-549, age 85, passed away peacefully at home in Vero Beach, Fl. on June 11th, 2024.
Bobby was born and raised in Lakewood, Florida and enlisted into the United States Navy at the age of 17. He spent 3 years, 9 months, and 11 days; with time on the aircraft carrier USS Boxer. After working with planes, he moved to Vero Beach in 1960 and went to work at Piper Aircraft. Bobby worked with Piper for 30 years. After Piper, Bobby went to work at the Vero Beach Police Department as an Animal Control Officer until he retired in 2000. In 1994, Bobby received the Officer of the Quarter Award.
He always said the best thing he did in his life was to say ‘yes’ to his loving wife Kathleen when she asked him to marry her. He always had a smile on his face for his family and friends. Bobby was always a big Colts fan, loved NASCAR racing, and was an avid fisherman.
Bobby will be greatly missed by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen. He is survived by his daughters Debra Mercuri, Rhonda Martin, and Kelly Byerly (Derek); sister Elizabeth Arnold; brother Horace Dean (Ruth); grandchildren Krystle Willer (Nicole), Josh Mercuri (Amber), Bobby Dean Martin, and Corbin Byerly (Haylee); great grandchild Adriana Dean Martin; many loving nieces and nephews; and his favorite rescue girl ‘Mini’ (all 8 pounds of her).
Bobby was predeceased by his parents Amon Franklin Dean and Julia Mae McKinney Dean; brothers John David, Martin, and Frank; sisters Margaret McCullers and Doris Wilcoxon.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary ‘Bunny’ Brown, 87, Fort Pierce/Vero Beach
March 28, 1937 – June 16, 2024
Mary ‘Bunny’ Brown passed away on June 16th, 2024, in Vero Beach, Fl. surrounded by loving family after a sudden illness.
Bunny was born and raised in Miami, Florida and attended Miami Senior High School. Bunny moved from Miami to the Fort Pierce/ Vero Beach area in 1977. She co-owned Quick Print Signs with her faithful husband Ray Brown. Bunny and Ray were married for 40 years. In life Bunny enjoyed art & crafts, painting, gardening, and old country music. Her love of Elvis and orchids made her one of a kind. She even stood out in her works as a seamstress.
Survivors include daughter Deanna Williams (Eric); son Teddy Naftal (Nancy); daughter-in-law Simone Naftal; grandchildren Dylan Williams, Savanna Williams, Dylan Naftal (Trish), and Cheyenne Naftal-Sandel (Kyle); great grandchildren Lane Naftal, Morgan Naftal, Finn Sandel, and Everlee Sandel.
Bunny was predeceased in death by her grandparents George and Frances Stoer, her husband Ray Brown, and son Dwain Naftal.
A private service will be held by family.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, Fl.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Janet O’Brien Mawicke, 92, Vero Beach
March 21, 1932 – June 14, 2024
Janet O’Brien Mawicke, of Northbrook, IL and Vero Beach, FL passed away on June 14, 2024, with her boys at her side. Beloved grandmother to Jonathon and Natalie of Glen Ellyn, IL, dear mother to Pat (Lori), Michael and Sean.
Jan was an avid tennis player, member of Sea Oaks since ‘88 and rabid Ohio State booster.
She was preceded in death by her father Henry, mother Kathleen, two husbands, E. Patrick O’Brien (2013) and Clem Mawicke (2012) numerous aunts and uncles, and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Alzheimer’s association of Chicago Http://act.alz.org/donate/
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Peggy Whittier Berggren, 85
November 18, 1938 – June 17, 2024
Born November 18, 1938, Peggy was a surprise to her mother as her twin brother, Pete was hiding her within her mother‘s womb. She weighed less than 5 pounds at birth and not expected to survive, but she was a fighter.
Peggy started playing piano at five years old. She walked into Mrs. Nelson‘s home and had to fight with cats to get to the piano, which is when her dislike for cats began. As a senior in high school, she played the glockenspiel (xylophone) and the piano. She competed in band because her daddy didn’t want her working for money in high school.
She didn’t go her first semester to FSU but worked in the meat market with her mom and dad. Her dad broke his leg, riding an army mule, and her mother had double duty at the market on the river. Her father built the Ocean Aire motel in downtown Vero on US 1 in the 50s.
Peggy’s father, Vernon Whittier had bought property on 4th street in Vero as well as 640 acres on Blue Cypress, which he sold to put Peggy’s brothers through college. The school board paid to put Peggy through college, and she worked for them after completing her bachelor’s degree. Mrs. Woodin and Walters were both English teachers at Vero Beach high school that she really liked and encouraged her to be an English teacher. Peggy continued her education after her son’s were in school, earning a masters degree and all the credits for a doctorate.
Peggy and Dave both felt strongly that all people deserve a good education. Both encouraged and helped others get started in college or certification at trade schools. Peggy’s oldest brother, VL received a doctorate in law, her brother Bob, was an ENT surgeon. Peggy proofread her twin brother Peter’s papers while in college and learned a lot about theology which is what his doctorate degree is in. Peggy loved her brothers dearly and spoke of them often.
Peggy met Dave through her oldest brother VL. They were neighbors and Dave spent a lot of time around the house. He got along well with Peggy‘s brothers and father. Peggy said that Dave was never a stranger to people.
Peggy graduated from Florida State University in 1960 and they were married Christmas Day 1962. They went to Sanibel Island for their honeymoon by boat which was a beautiful place to go.
Peggy was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority and helped set up a retirement account for the local teachers. Peggy was a member and officer of Grace evening circle beginning in 1962. She was also a member of Thrivent and on the local board at one time.
Peggy taught English at Vero Beach high school for 35 years and was the head of the English department when she retired in 1995. Peggy then worked for Berggren equipment company for four years until its sale in 1999.
After the death of Dale Berggren, Dave’s brother, Dave and Peggy took over running Berggren‘s hobby shop from 2003 to its close in 2010. The hobby shop was originally Berggren’s 5 & 10.
Peggy taught Sunday school and organized many years of vacation Bible school at Grace Lutheran Church as well as serving on various committees. Peggy learned how to play the organ after retirement due to a need at the church and was the church organist for many years.
Some of Peggy’s fondest memories were of being at FSU with both her brother VL and her brother Bob being the only freshman with two older brothers as chaperones.
Many of Peggy‘s favorite people were members of the VBHS class of 1956 and because of that Peggy worked many years helping to coordinate Golden Grad events.
Recently, Peggy had mentioned some of her favorite coworkers at the school were Willard Shinn (who had caught her brother Bob hunting on State Road 60 many years earlier) and Frank Messina, who she had recently reconnected with while attending Pathway Church.
Peggy loved reading and became very close friends with Peggy Poysell as the librarian at Vero Beach high school. Peggy started writing Poetry and in journals as she encouraged her students to do the same.
Some of Peggy‘s favorite things to do were going fishing with her family and being a part of the booster club when her son Mark played football at the high school. Peggy also loved watching college football. There were always sparks flying at the Berggren house the day Georgia Tech and FSU played! (Dave being a Georgia Tech graduate).
Peggy loved dogs and has had one or more by her side her entire life. Her favorite food was fried shrimp, and her recent requests were always for her son, Mark to get it from Maryland Fried Chicken.
Peggy is survived by her two sons, David John Jr. (Jennifer), Mark Eric (Carol); brother Pete (Paula); 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Vernon Lee Sr. and Cornelia Conner Whittier, her Aunt Bessie Bear, her brothers Vernon Lee Jr. (Teri) and Robert Whittier (Marti) as well as her beloved husband of 53 years, David John Berggren, Sr.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encourgaed in Peggy’s name to the Pathway School of Leadership c/o Pathway Church (www.pathwayvb.com) 1105 58th Ave
Vero Beach, FL 32966
A Visitation will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1150 41st Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Joseph Anthony Lucchini, 75, Vero Beach
August 29, 1949 – June 24, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph Anthony Lucchini, age 75, who departed this life on June 24th, 2024. Joseph was born on August 29, 1949, in Staten Island, New York to John and Grace Lucchini. He is survived by two brothers, John Lucchini and Pat Lucchini.
Joseph was married to Lauren Arias Lucchini and eventually divorced after 20 years of marriage. Together, they had three children: Gia, Lauren and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Gia Lucchini. He is survived by his daughter, Lauren Lucchini (Johnathan Walton); son, Joseph Lucchini (Stephanie Lucchini); grandchildren, Ariana Lucchini, Grace Lucchini, Lena Walton, Brooke, Easton, Joseph and Lucia Lucchini.
Joseph was known to many as Joe, Big Joe, Joey and Papa. In 1989, he moved his family from Staten Island, New York to Vero Beach, Florida where he continued to have a deep love for New York culture. He was a car enthusiast, sharp dresser, jokester and movie buff.
He was one of a kind, with a personality that was not easily forgotten. Joe was a passionate storyteller with the ability to bring situations to life through his words and find humor in even the darkest moments. He was known for his charismatic presence that captivated many.
We will always cherish the precious memories of our dad, Joe. His presence who’s touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed but truly unforgettable.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Linda Ellen Teter Byers, 85, Vero Beach
August 10, 1938 – June 23, 2024
Linda Ellen Teter Byers, Vero Beach, Florida formerly of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of June 23, 2024. She was born August 10, 1938 in Kokomo to Lewis and Hazel (Dickey) Teter.
Surviving are three children and their spouses, Joseph Jr. and Denise Byers, Coppell, Texas; Lori and Michael Creighton, Mead, Washington; Julie and Paul Beihold, Carmel, Indiana; six grandchildren, Kayla and Bradley Tinney, Aaron and Angela Creighton, Cameron and Michelle Creighton, Stephen Beihold, Anne Beihold, Ava Rose Byers; and three great-grandchildren Felix Finck, Dean Creighton, and Dallas Creighton.
Having spent most of her childhood in Kokomo, and a couple of years in Mt. Ararat, Maryland, Linda spent a lot of time on farms and developed a love for animals and agrarian life. She graduated Kokomo High School in 1956 and married Joseph R. Byers, an Airman at Bunker Hill Air Force Base. They were married 62 years until Joseph preceded her in death (September 27, 2021).
Linda retired from Indian Heights Elementary School in Howard County, and moved to Vero Beach, Florida where she lived until her death. Socially, Linda enjoyed intellectually challenging card games, attending Grapefruit League baseball games, and frequenting the theater with her husband. Linda felt like she could make a difference in the world. She was a leader of social clubs in which she participated, Sunday School teacher, Cub scout and Brownie Scout leader, organized fashion shows in her community, was president of her homeowners association, and more. Perpetually active, she always saw a better way of doing something. She lived a passionate life and made the most out of holidays and special events involving people she loved. Her zest for life was unparalleled.
Above all, she was known for the love and adoration she bestowed upon her husband, children, and grandchildren.
She will be greatly missed! Private family services are planned, and she will be buried in Tetersburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.
“Farewell, dear Mother. Sweet be thy rest.”
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
