From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Laura Burnham Beatty, 97, Vero Beach
February 19, 1928 – September 17, 2025
Mary Laura Burnham Beatty, 97, passed away peacefully at her home on September 17, 2025, after a 3-year journey with Alzheimer’s. Up until the end, Laura maintained her kindness, grace, and love of family. She often expressed gratitude for her long life and the blessings she experienced along the way.
Laura was born in February 1928 in Live Oak, FL, the youngest of three children of Jessie and Dewey Burnham. She was especially close to her sister, Gertie, who remained her lifelong best friend until Gertie’s passing at the age of 98.
In 1946, at age 18, Laura moved to Vero Beach to work in the restaurant owned by her sister and brother-in-law, Gertie and Bud Emlet. The restaurant happened to be on the property of Gordon Beatty, where Laura met his son, Claude. Their connection was immediate, and just three months later they were married at Community Church—the beginning of a 55-year marriage filled with love, family, faith, and hard work.
Together, Claude and Laura raised three children: Albert, Gary (Barbara), and Kathryn (Timothy). They were also business partners, owning and operating the Gordon Motel and Restaurant in Vero Beach for decades. Claude managed the motel while Laura ran the restaurant, where her warm hospitality and delicious meals became legendary. Everyone was welcome at Laura’s table, where she would cook for hours without ever knowing how many would join her.
Laura adored her role as grandmother and matriarch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude, her son, Albert, and her grandson, Eric. She is survived by her children Gary (Barbara) and Kathryn (Timothy); her nine grandchildren: Holly (Robert) Helton, Trey Beatty, Matthew (Kristina) Beatty, Adam (Jasmine) Beatty, Sunny Beatty, Tabitha (Mike) Dimino, Nathan (Elizabeth) Self, Jared (Samantha) Self, and Bryan Self; her fourteen great-grandchildren: Nicholas Ciacci, McKenly Ciacci, Jada Grant, Nila Grant, Valerie Self, Izabel Beatty, Natalie Beatty, Hunter Beatty, Kolton Beatty, Anna Kathryn Self, Clair Self, Josie Self, Madilyn Beatty, and Navaeha Parisi; and her great-great-granddaughter, Nina Ciacci.
Claude and Laura treasured their years at their lake house on Lake Toxaway in North Carolina, where they hosted family and friends from near and far. Laura especially cherished the time spent surrounded by loved ones, creating lifelong memories through laughter, storytelling, and shared meals.
Special gratitude is extended to Laura’s granddaughter Holly and her husband, Rob, who lived with and lovingly cared for her for the past three and a half years, and to Judy Tarlowe, Laura’s devoted private nurse, who quickly became part of the family.
Laura’s life was deeply rooted in faith. For many years she was a member of Community Church, where she and Claude had wed in 1946. She lived out her faith daily through quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Laura was the sweet, soft-spoken matriarch of the Beatty family. Her actions were a constant testament to her love for others—always showing up, always listening, always giving. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and grace.
We are all beyond blessed to have had this incredible woman in our lives.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM with Pastor Neal Watkins officiating. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions as a memorial may be made to the VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home is serving the family and online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Edward John O’Connor, 95, Vero Beach
September 1, 1930 – September 6, 2025
Edward John O’Connor , 95 of Vero Beach, FL., passed away September 6, 2025.
Ed was devoted to his family and his faith.
He retired from Carpenter Technology after many years of service.
He is survived by his beloved wife Rita; children Ed Jr., Jim, Brian, Barb and Chuck as well as his adoring 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
At the family’s request services and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions as a memorial may be made to The VNA Hospice and Foundation ,920 37th Place #101 Vero Beach, FL 32960.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Michael Carlin, 71
December 31, 1953 – September 19, 2025
Michael Carlin, a devoted husband, loving father, proud Papaw, and United States Marine Corps Veteran, passed away surrounded by family who loved him deeply.
Michael’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a wonderful husband and father, and to his grandchildren, he was the best Papaw anyone could ask for. His love for them knew no bounds, and every moment spent together was treasured.
He was immensely proud of his service as a Marine, carrying that honor throughout his life. Beyond his service, Michael lived life to the fullest, enjoying fishing, traveling, taking cruises, woodworking, and, above all, creating lasting memories with those he loved most.
Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Michael was always ready with a story or a joke to bring smiles and laughter. He had a way of making everyone around him feel at ease and was cherished by many friends and loved ones.
In keeping with his generous and caring spirit, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Folds of Honor (www.foldsofhonor.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), organizations that honor and support the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home. At 3:00 p.m., the Sebastian Area Veterans Honor Guard will present military honors in grateful recognition of Michael’s service to his country.
Michael’s legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to his family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Theresa C. D’Amico, 101, Vero Beach
April 29, 1924 – September 25, 2025
Theresa C. D’Amico, 101 of Vero Beach, FL passed away September 25, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 1-2PM Thursday ,October 2, 2025 at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Prayer Service will be said at 2PM in the funeral home chapel.
Entombment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Ft. Pierce.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Theresa C. D’Amico, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Benjamin “Ben” Bibbo, 89, Boston, Massachusetts
April 3, 1936 – September 22, 2025
Benjamin “Ben” Bibbo, of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 22nd, at the age of 89.
Born on April 3rd in Boston Massachusetts, Ben was the beloved son of Carolina and Domenico Bibbo. He grew up in Boston and went on to serve his country honorably as a United States Marine during the Korean War—Ben carried his service with deep pride and devotion throughout his life. The discipline, honor, and loyalty instilled in him as a Marine became guiding principles that shaped who he was—steadfast in his commitments, protective of those he loved, and always ready to lend a hand to others. His years in uniform were among his proudest accomplishments, and he never forgot the bonds of brotherhood formed with his fellow Marines.
Following his military service, Ben enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career with John Hancock Financial, where he was respected for his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to his clients. Upon retiring, he moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where he met his beloved “Sweetsala,” Diann, and the two shared countless adventures, laughter, and cherished memories.
Ben’s life was rich with passions and friendships. He was an avid tennis player, longtime member of the Sebastian Friendly Tennis Club, and a proud member of his local shooting club. Among his greatest joys was cycling—touring through the rolling landscapes of New England and the historic roads of Europe.
Ben also had a softer side that shone through in his love of the arts. He delighted in attending the opera and found joy in ballroom dancing at the Vero Beach Community Center and Polish Club, where he met Diann.
Ben is survived by his ‘Sweetsala’ Diann of Vero Beach, FL, Sister Catherine Wojick of Fort Pierce, FL, Brother Robert Bibbo of Denver CO, Sons Christian Bibbo of Westford, Ma, Mark Detro of Bivens TX, Daughters Melissa Botha of Haleiwa, HI, Julie Detro-Hopkins of Satsuma FL, Andrea Deynzer of Abiline TX. Grandchildren, Katriina, Christian, and Erik Bibbo, Brooke and Mikey Botha, Mariana and Adam Deynzer, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends.
He is preceded by his parents Carolina and Domenico, brothers Alfonso, Gennaro and Paul Bibbo, brother-in-law Chester Wojick and niece Carolyn Wojick.
A private ceremony will be held to honor Ben’s life, with military honors to recognize his proud service as a Marine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben’s memory to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Ben’s life was defined by service, adventure, and love. A Marine at heart, a professional of great honor, and a man who embraced every passion with joy, he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
