From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
David Harold Miller, 78
April 02, 1946 ~ June 29, 2024
David Harold Miller, aged 78, passed away peacefully at his home on June 29, 2024. The second of five children of Bastien “Jake” Miller and Charlotte Miller. Dave grew up in New Jersey, graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and enlisted as an officer in the US Air Force following graduation. Dave started a family while in the Air Force and enjoyed traveling the world both in the USAF and later for business as an executive in various manufacturing companies.
Dave’s life took him from New Jersey to Delaware, the Hudson Valley, New York City, Costa Rica, China, New England, and finally Florida. He tried many things: he was a businessman, an entrepreneur and even did a stint driving a taxi in New York City for a little while. He was an avid boater for much of his life and a proud member of the US Coast Guard auxiliary. He lived for many years in Warwick, Rhode Island, and spent countless hours on and around the Narragansett Bay, cruising on his boat, fishing from his boat, washing his boat and talking about his boat. He also enjoyed woodworking and was an inventor and a tinkerer.
Dave is survived by his wife, Lisa; children, Daniel, Lauren, and Jessica; grandchildren, Liam, Brennecke, Hailee, Harper, Jake, Jace, Evan, and Aidan; sisters, Nancy and Cathy; and brother, John.
He was predeceased by his son, Michael O’Donnell and brother, Jay Miller.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Peter Gerard Hebert, 67, Florida
July 26, 1957 ~ June 26, 2024
Peter Gerard Hebert, 67, husband of Maria Morse Hebert, passed away on June 26, 2024, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was born on July 26, 1957, in Manchester, Connecticut. He graduated from Valley Regional High School in Connecticut and was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.
Pete moved to New Hampshire with his wife Maria in 1985 where they lived for 39 years. He and Maria moved to Florida one year ago so that he could enjoy the warmth of the Florida sun.
Pete worked for Quinn Bros. Concrete and Nashua and Manchester Redimix Companies for about 36 years combined. He enjoyed his long career working for these two companies and was still working all through his illness. Pete developed many good friends and relationships with customers of these companies over the years. He was a passionate Red Sox and Celtics fan as well as enjoyed finding historic “treasures” on his metal detecting hunts on the old farms and fields of New England as well as many beaches in New England and Florida. Pete was an avid runner from the time he was in the third grade. He was an accomplished runner in high school and beyond and went on to run several marathons and countless 5k road races throughout his life. His strong and determined personality was an inspiration to all who knew him.
In addition to his wife Maria, Pete is survived by his children Alexandra Hebert, Cody (Daesha Lee) Hebert and their son Luca. He is predeceased by his sister Michelle Hebert Arnold of Ivoryton, Connecticut.
There is no planned Funeral or service scheduled at this time.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jay” Jackson Sharp, Jr., 66, Vero Beach
February 28, 1958 ~ June 29, 2024
James “Jay” Jackson Sharp, Jr born February 28, 1958 passed away on June 29, 2024 in Vero Beach, Florida after a two year cancer battle. Born in Atlanta, Georgia his family moved to Vero Beach in 1964. He attended Vero Beach Sr. High School and Seminole State College in Orlando.
A lifelong construction contractor, Jay started Jay Sharp Tile in 1990. His intricate designs were done by hand with the eye of an artist. His work can be seen in First Baptist Church, restaurants and businesses in Vero Beach, and homes from Florida to Michigan.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, an avid sportsman, and loved all things Florida Gators. Early memories made on his grandfather’s farm in Georgia were revived later in life when Jay remodeled a dilapidated old country store turning it into a hunting cabin for family and friends. The old store that once provided sundries and was also the site of the community’s US Post Office has hosted dozens of Thanksgiving dinners under Jay’s constant improvements.
He is survived by his mother, Bertha Sharp, sister Susan Sharp, brother John Sharp, daughters Michaela (Joe) Heaton, Carly (Eric) Snyder, Macy (Zeke) Hurst, their mother Tammy Sharp, grandsons, Gage and Grant Hurst, and longtime girlfriend Vickie Bussey.
He was preceded in death by his father, James J. Sharp, and grandparents, Felix and Leland Sharp, and Joe and Bridie Black.
Services will be held Friday, July 5th, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Vero Beach at 11:00 a.m. A Visitation will held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. There will be lunch and refreshments at The Moose Lodge, 226 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32968 immediately following the service at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the UF Health Urologic Cancer Center via https://ufhealth.org/giving.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Joy Lynn (Oglesby) Peacock, 60, Vero Beach
November 09, 1963 ~ June 29, 2024
Joy Lynn (Oglesby) Peacock, aged 60, passed away June 29, 2024 in Vero Beach, Florida. She was the oldest of 3 children of Wallace Arnold Oglesby SR and Betty Joyce (Collins) Oglesby. She was born in El Paso, TX but the family moved and made Vero Beach their home when she was just 2 years old.
Joy loved spending time outdoors island camping with family & friends. She had a green thumb and loved planting and watching her plants grow. Some of her favorite family members were 4 legged and furry.
She is survived by her two children: Johnny Peacock II, and Jessica Peacock (Bill); grandsons: Johnny Peacock III, Matthew Peacock, Brian Gagnon II, Raymond Heemskerk, & Cody Heemskerk. She had one beloved granddaughter: Lindsey Gagnon. Survivors also include her father Wallace Oglesby SR, sister Michele Hall (Bill) and brother Wallace Oglesby JR (Sheri) along with several loved nieces, nephews and family members.
Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Peacock SR; grandson, Ryan Peacock and her mother Betty (Collins) Oglesby.
“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.”- William Penn
“Goodbye is not forever; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.”- Lurlene McDaniel
A Celebration of Life will be held for Joy at the American Legion, 1535 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32960 on July 13th 2024, from 12-3 PM.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Vinny (Vincent) Gallagher, 67, Vero Beach
November 07, 1956 ~ July 01, 2024
Vinny (Vincent) Gallagher, 67, passed away peacefully at home in Vero Beach on July 1, 2024, under the care of his family and hospice. Born on November 7, 1956, in Flushing, New York, Vinny lived in Long Island, Delaware, and Vero Beach, Florida.
Vinny graduated from the State University of New York at Brockport.
Vinny is survived by his loving wife, Mareta Gallagher; his brother, Cornelius (Christine); his sister, Eileen (Barry Scharfschwerdt); nieces Megan Scharfschwerdt and Katherine Gallagher; and nephews Peter Scharfschwerdt (Megan Carey) and Timothy Gallagher. He was predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Rosemary (Ryan) Gallagher.
Vinny’s friends remember him as a knowledgeable and engaging conversationalist with interests spanning sports, travel, music – especially jazz and blues, restaurants, home maintenance, and cooking. He was known for his sincerity and attentiveness in conversations.
His family recalls him as an exceptional uncle, a loving son and brother, and an amazing son-in-law who helped care for Mareta’s father during his final months. Vinny’s generous nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met, with countless stories of his selfless giving. He was an active member and volunteer for Meals on Wheels, embodying his spirit of giving and service.
Professionally, Vinny worked in hydraulic tool sales, but his true passion was bartending, where he met Mareta. Together, they enjoyed entertaining friends and family, attending jazz festivals, traveling, reading, and celebrating life.
Vinny’s positive outlook and determination in facing ALS inspired many. Despite the challenges, he and Mareta embraced every moment together, living life to the fullest.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Team Gleason Foundation, PO Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184, teamgleason.org/donate, or the VNA Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place #101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Vinny was one of the good ones, known for his friendliness and the impact he had on those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him!
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Ruth Evelyn Fika, 88, Vero Beach
March 21, 1936 ~ May 09, 2024
Ruth Evelyn Fika, age 88 of Vero Beach, FL died on May 9, 2024.
Ruth was born March 21,1936 in Carthage, MO to E. Samuel & Mamie Francis Riley. She was a graduate of Bethany Nazarene College in Bathany, OK and Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.
She moved to Vero Beach from Moline, IL in 1965. Ruth taught first grade, for 32 years, at Rosewood Magnet School and finally retired in 2002. She was a proud and devout member of Pathway Church and served on the Communion Team for many years. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher’s Sorority and Florida Retired Educators Rosewood Breakfast Club.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Jakubowski (Dale), Kathy Lowery, and Angela McGraw (Timm). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jordan Jakubowski, Emily Lowery Bennis, Samuel McGraw, and Nicholas McGraw.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Bud Riley.
A private service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA, 445 24th Street, Suite 300, Vero Beach, FL 32960 https://vnatc.org/waystogive/ or to the Indian River Education Fund, 6500 57th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Deborah “Debbie” Jayne Potts Keatley, 69
November 16, 1954 ~ July 08, 2024
Deborah “Debbie” Jayne Potts Keatley, age 69, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Vero Beach, FL. Born on November 16, 1954, in Fargo, ND, Debbie lived a life full of love, dedication, and passion.
Debbie graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1973 and furthered her education at Indian River Community College, where she graduated in 1975. She worked as a legal secretary for Charles Garris Attorney in Vero Beach, FL, dedicating six years of her professional life to her role.
A proud member of the Moose Lodge and the American Legion, Debbie was deeply involved in her community. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing tennis, collecting memorabilia, watching movies, dancing, and spending mornings on the beach with her family. Spending time riding with her husband and friends were some of her favorite activities. These activities brought her immense joy and allowed her to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Paul Allen Keatley; her sons, Scott Allen Keatley and his wife Gina Puzzanghera, and Craig Thomas Keatley and his wife Whitney Walker. She is also survived by her older sister, Beverly Potts Brown, and her husband Larry Brown, her older brother, Robert Potts, and her grandchildren, Paul Walker Keatley and McKenzie June Keatley.
Debbie’s legacy is one of love, community, and a zest for life. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her spirited personality, and the joy she brought to those around her. She loved her family and friends deeply, and the time spent with them was among her most cherished moments. Beverly remembers their Christmas celebrations in Vero Beach and how Debbie wandered downtown Moorhead at age three, leading to a family lore and many laughs. Scott remembers Debbie taking him to parades and the joy she would have cheering on the bands and floats. She was always on the lookout for candy being thrown. Craig fondly recalls their annual trips to see the Miami Dolphins, with Debbie even making it onto the jumbotron on their last trip. Whitney fondly recalls the morning after her wedding, receiving a wake-up call from Debbie congratulating her as Mrs. Keatley. Her grandson Paul remembers the joy she had in seeing him on stage in plays. McKenzie loved shopping at Claire’s with “DeeDee”. Paul fondly remembers the thousands of miles they rode together, the open road a testament to their shared journey, each mile a chapter in their story of love. These cherished moments reflect the joy and enthusiasm she brought to every aspect of her life.
Debbie, who was Presbyterian, will be joining her mother Vera M. Pomarnke, her father Robert L. Potts, her beloved stepfather Byron Moore, and her brother Richard Potts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Debbie’s memory.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Jeanette Mildred Liotta, 92, Vero Beach
August 25, 1931 ~ July 13, 2024
Jeanette Mildred Liotta passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Vero Beach, FL.
Jeanette was born in East Northport, NY and moved to Vero Beach, FL in the mid 1980’s.
She was a Realtor in Vero Beach for many years. Jeanette treasured spending time with family and loved to play Bingo with friends.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Angela Liotta; son-in-law, Samuel Mancuso; grandchildren, Kurt (Faith) Mancuso, Kristen Collier, Lyndsey (Jad) Shalhoub, Keith Anthony Liotta, Caitlin Collier, Jayden Hale, Madeline Mancuso, Charlotte Mancuso, Ethan Mancuso, and Alexander Shalhoub.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of almost 56 years, Anthony Liotta, Sr.; sons, Anthony “Tony” Liotta, Jr. and Keith Liotta; daughter, Lauren Mancuso; granddaughter, Rebecca Mancuso; brother, Fred Ries; and sisters, Evelyn Guido and Connie Maken.
Interment will take place at Crestlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Joan Louise (Young) Tyson, 88, Fellsmere
December 28, 1935 ~ July 09, 2024
Joan Louise (Young) Tyson passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, July 9th after a long illness. Joan was born on December 28, 1935, in Johnstown, Colorado to Beryl (Gardner) and Frank Young.
During her childhood and teenage years, she followed her parents to various locales in the United States and Canada as her father worked in the sugar industry. In the early fifties she settled in Fellsmere where she graduated from high school at the old Fellsmere School. It was in Fellsmere that she met the love of her life, Cliff Tyson. They were married on December 21, 1955, and then raised two children, son Keith and daughter Laurie.
Joan worked for a short time at the South Puerto Rico Sugar Company in Fellsmere before taking a job with the U.S. Postal Service. She retired from the USPS in 2000 and enjoyed her retirement at the family home in Fellsmere, prior to coming to live with her son and daughter in-law Doris. She will be sorely missed.
She was predeceased by her infant sister, her husband Cliff, and her parents Beryl and Frank Young. She is survived by her son, Keith (Doris); daughter, Laurie; grandson, Drew (Anjali) and beloved cat, Bob. There will be no service.
She asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Shiloh Youth Ranch, 10655 Roseland Road, Sebastian, Fl 32958 in her and Cliff’s honor.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.