From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Chester “Chet” Paul Swartout, 84
July 22, 1941 – September 27, 2025
Chester “Chet” Paul Swartout passed away on September 27, 2025, in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 84. Born in Buffalo, New York, on July 22, 1941.
The son of John W. Swartout and Dorothy Marie Swartout. Chet proudly served his country in the United States Army for over twenty years. He continued his way of service to the public as a courier for the U.S. Postal Service. Later in life Chet made a commitment to his sobriety. He passed away dedicated to his sobriety.
Chet earned his Bachelor’s Degree and was a lifelong learner, always curious. He was a devoted member and Deacon of the Methodist Church of Barnegat, New Jersey, where he gave hours of service to his congregation.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia, his cherished daughters Pachette and Dawn, his parents, and his sister Virginia Dorothy Helen Allen.
Chet is survived by his son John Swartout and daughter-in-law Mary Alice, his sister Betty Joe Swartout, and brother Howard Elwood Swartout. He was grandfather to Chayne Turano, Alisyn Busico, Kaden Alexander, Jodilee Ramos, and James Falkinburg, and blessed to be great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren.
Sobriety is a life long journey that Chester was able to embrace in his lifetime. His family remains thankful to all those who helped with his care and to the staff at the home he lived at especially his private duty nurse, Mary Green, who was with him for 9 years and was a gift from above. The way she took care of him was second to none and the family is deeply grateful for her services.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Terry Green, 96
Our dearest mother, Terry Green, passed away early Friday morning, September the 26th.
What a life she led! From a 1950’s mom to Valerie (Mark), Stephen (Sara), John (Peggy), and David (Marion) to a founding artist of the Miami Beach Arts District! And in between she belly-danced and taught yoga among many other things.
She was involved in the Mothers of Twins Club, and handmade Halloween costumes.
A grandmother to Lee, Lindsey, Amy, Michaela, Mark, Theresa, and Alex, she was beloved.
Later in life, Terry married Edward with whom she spent twenty-three years and experienced many adventures with him. Not the least of which was cruising the intracoastal waterway living aboard Edward’s boat.
Terry was also a Vero Beach potter and participated in the Soup Bowl Project where she became famous for throwing as many pots as her age.
She was beloved and we will miss her and remember her for the rest of our lives.
Terry was ready to go home to Jesus.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Jill Marie Wright, 62, Little Hollywood, Florida
March 20, 1963 – September 24, 2025
Jill Marie Wright, our vivacious and loquacious soul, completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, passing away peacefully in the arms of her loving husband, Tom Wright, at their home in Little Hollywood, Florida. She was 62 years old.
The daughter of the late Bentley (Rock) and Gary Becker, Jill was born on March 20, 1963 in Saginaw, Michigan.
The curly-haired youngster developed an affinity for gab early, a precursor to the social skills that served her well personally and professionally as she matured into a beautiful, educated woman. Jill graduated in 1981 from Saginaw Eisenhower High School. There she was a two-sport athlete, excelling in volleyball as a member of the Commanders’ 1980 Class B Girls’ State Volleyball Championship squad.
Following graduation, she attended Michigan State University before her adventurous spirit led her to transfer to the University of Houston. At the U of H, Jill graduated from the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Hospitality Management.
Moreover, during her college days Jill formed lasting friendships that endured to this day.
Following college, the organized and ambitious graduate soon found herself on the fast-track to executive success in the hospitality industry. Jill worked at prestigious properties such as The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Palmer House in Chicago, and The Hilton in Southfield (MI), among other exclusive resorts.
But it was her stint in Southfield that would forever change the course of her life. That’s where she met another up and coming hotshot in the hospitality industry who also was on the rise in his own right: Tom Wright, a Chicago native with big dreams and a plan to make it happen.
The two fell in love, and growing weary of the harsh, gray northern winters, Tom, ever the smooth-talking salesman, convinced Jill to pull up roots and move to Florida with him in 1987.
The couple made it official on April 22, 1995, marrying in a storybook setting in the Bahamas.
Their big Florida adventure began in West Palm Beach, but it truly began to take shape in 2000 when they moved to Little Hollywood. The couple ingratiated themselves into the tight-knit, small community like only they could. They hosted countless gatherings filled with food, fun and frivolity. Whether the always lavish gatherings centered on a big sporting event, a holiday, birthdays or just because it was time the gang got together, the Wrights sure knew how to throw a party. Jill loved Christmas and her home reflected the joy of the holiday season each and every year.
It invariably requires someone to take the lead to keep family and friends together and the ever gracious and generous hosts, Jill and Tom Wright, were that couple.
Jill rarely forgot friends’ and family members’ birthdays, showering them with treats and gifts. They marveled at what the “Baking Queen” could whip up in her well-appointed kitchen. Her creative baking skills were later put to professional use after Tom purchased Sebastian’s Roadside Restaurant. It was at this quintessential Southern diner where Jill dazzled customers with her delightful baked goods, many times holiday-themed, but always made with meticulous skill and heaps of love.
The mark of a life well lived may be defined by how many people they have touched in their short time on this earth. The family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from Jill’s friends and family across this great country.
In Tommy, Jill was extremely blessed to find a guy that truly took his marital vows seriously. The family thanks him for his never wavering, caring attitude and fierce loyalty to his bride.
Jill was predeceased by her parents, Gary and Bentley (Rock) Becker. She is survived by two brothers, Jon Becker and Jason Becker and a sister, Jan (Janice) Becker.
Final arrangements are being handled by Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian. A memorial is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 1-3 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow the next day, Sunday, October 12, from 1-3 p.m. at Sebastian’s Roadside Restaurant.
At the request of Jill, cremation has taken place.
The family asks that memorial contributions be sent to your favorite charity. Better yet, if there is a family member or another loved one that life circumstances have distanced you from, reach out to them today and tell them that you love them.
It’s now official: social hour has begun in heaven.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Theodore (Ted) W. Smalletz, 79, Vero Beach
September 9, 1946 – September 30, 2025
Born in Paterson, N.J. on September 9th, 1946, he was the son of Samuel and Amelia (Derr) Smalletz.
With a keen intellect, dry wit and gentle demeanor he was the definition of a gentleman. His kindness and sincerity had a way of making every individual felt heard and valued. He was greatly respected by all.
Ted was passionate about education, history, and was a voracious reader.
He graduated Valedictorian from Central H.S., in Paterson, N.J. in 1964 and went on to receive a full scholarship to Rutgers University where he received a BA in Economics, with Honors. Graduating in 1968 he was initiated into Omicron Delta Epsilon, the Honor Society in Economics.
In 1983, he graduated from Seton Hall University while working professionally during the day, received an MBA in Finance and was elected into Beta Gamma Sigma, the Business Honor Society.
His business acumen unfolded early in his career, where he started as a financial trainee at The RCA Corporation in New York City which led to professional roles including Assistant Treasurer and Group Controller at Prentice- Hall, Inc. Publishing Company, Vice President of Finance for the MacMillan Educational Publishing Company in New York City and Chief Financial Officer at his family’s business, Gloria Duchin, Inc. in RI. In 2008, he started a family real estate investment company, which he enjoyed running for the past 15 years.
His leadership continued, most often in the community in which he resided. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Heart Association and successfully oversaw the merger with the Massachusetts’ operations. He was the 2000 recipient of the Volunteer of the Year of the Year Award from the New England Affiliate of the American Heart Association. He continued to serve on the Board of Governors at the Rhode Island Hospital, the Board of Directors for both the Rhode Island Historical Society and The Community College of Rhode Island, where he was actively involved in the Student Mentoring Program.
His generosity extended to numerous organizations in his community including but not exclusively; The Moses Brown School for the past 25 years, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, The Providence Ronald McDonald House, The Rhode Island Historical Society and the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Ted was an understated individual and prized his family above anything else. One of his greatest joys was sharing his love of baseball with his son, Jonathan, and cherished his yearly baseball trips, which he meticulously planned, visiting different stadiums throughout the country through Jon’s childhood and young adult years.
At one time an active golfer, he formerly belonged to Quidnessett Country Club, RI and the Agawam Hunt Club, RI where he first introduced his son Jon to golf. Ted thoroughly enjoyed playing golf with 3 generations in his family; his father -in -law, and his son at Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club where his in-laws had lived and where he and his wife retired to several years ago. In addition to golf, Ted enjoyed family gatherings where food was an important highlight and often would celebrate mile stone memories and celebrations at the University Club, Providence which he and his loved ones did for several decades.
Ted is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Robyn of Vero Beach, his son Jonathan, daughter-in-law Dania, grandchildren Shayna and Alexander, brother Norman Smalletz and sister Karen McLaughlin.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for you to consider a donation to a non-profit of your choice.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Thomas Edward Maggart, 73, Vero Beach
March 30, 1952 – September 19, 2025
Thomas Edward Maggart, 73, of Vero Beach Florida, passed away peacefully on September 19th, 2025 under hospice care and family by his side, He was born in Los Angeles, California on March 30th, 1952, to the late Earl R. Maggart and Rosemary Caskey. He was raised in Logansport, Indiana and lived many years between Vero Beach, Florida and Logansport, Indiana.
Thomas will always be remembered as a kind and generous man, lovingly known for living on “Tommy time”. He lived every day with a spontaneous nature while bringing laughter to anyone that crossed his path. He took pride in his hard work throughout his walk of life whether it was for family, friends, or his DJ business. He had many interests in life which included Roller Skating, Hot Rods, Nascar, and Music (especially The Beatles).
His greatest joy was his family – especially his two granddaughters, whom he adored.
Forever Pops-Grandpa: We will forever miss the afternoons filled with M&M’s, Bubble Yum, Dr.Pepper’s or McDonald’s Strawberry Shakes! Stay Sweet! Keep Rock ‘in!!
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Cory Jon and Jackie Maggart of Vero Beach; two granddaughters, Sophia and Emma; three brothers, Dennis (Carol) Maggart, Earl R. “Rob” Maggart of Logansport, Indiana, and Timmy (Brenda) Maggart of Lavergne, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents (Earl and Rosemary) and brother (Lonnie).
A future date will be posted for a “Celebration of Life” to be held in Vero Beach, Florida and Logansport, Indiana.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Ellen Beatty, 85
October 29, 1939 – October 3, 2025
Ellen Beatty, 85, died on October 3, 2025 in Vero Beach, Florida after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mrs. Beatty was born on October 29,1939 in Pirmasens, Germany. After graduation from high school, she attended technical school and became a certified Dental Hygienist. She married her husband, Gordon Beatty, while he was serving in the United States Army in Germany.
She is survived by her husband and daughter, Glenda Bowman, of Phoenix, Arizona,five grand children and seven great grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.
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