From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Captain William “Bill” Vazquez, 95, of North Hutchinson Island/Fort Pierce
August 12, 1930 ~ October 28, 2025
Captain William “Bill” Vazquez, 95, of North Hutchinson Island/Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at Treasure Coast Hospice in Fort Pierce.
Bill was predeceased by his sons, William Mark Vazquez, Esq., and Jeffrey Peter Vazquez, and by his wife of 28 years, Gail Arlene Vazquez (née Gagstetter).
He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Elizabeth Pozniak (née Baglio), his devoted daughter Dr. Andrea Lauren Vazquez (Gilberto Rivera Jr.) and his cherished sisters, Adela Andonopoulis (Philip) and Ramona Frano (Martin). He will be dearly missed by the extended Baglio/Pozniak and Gagstetter/Ippolito families.
Through his marriage to Barbara, Bill’s family grew to include his beloved stepchildren: Capt. Adam Christian Pozniak (Bobby Plasencia), Mary Lynn Ninesling (Shawn), and RJ Pozniak (Elizabeth Smith).
Bill was a proud grandfather to Dr. Christopher Hauser, William Matthew Vazquez, Christian Martin, Raúl Pozniak, Ana Berrio, Tre Pozniak, William Ninesling, and Mary Taylor Ninesling; and a great-grandfather to Hayden Moore, Callum Hauser, and Isabella Vazquez.
Born in East New York, Brooklyn, to Pedro and Concetta Vazquez (née Ippolito), Bill attended George Westinghouse Vocational High School, where he developed trade skills and learned to play the saxophone—an instrument that remained close to his heart throughout his life.
A proud U.S. Air Force Veteran, Bill served as a “Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Specialist” in the Arctic on Frobisher Bay (Baffin Island, Northwest Territories), during the Korean War. His duties were a vital part of the North American Cold War defensive perimeter, contributing to surveillance and communications in the Arctic, a role separate from the direct combat communications in Korea. During his time in the Arctic, he was also inducted into “The Royal Order of the Blue Nose.”
Following his honorable discharge, he worked as a TV repairman and soon had his own shop. He then worked as a door-to-door salesman which led to a successful career in insurance. Known for his charm and wit—“he could sell ice to an Eskimo”—Bill became a principal partner at Associated Business Coverage (ABC Insurance) in Valley Stream, New York.
He raised his sons in Babylon and Freeport, New York, and lived for many years in Island Park before retiring to Jupiter, Florida.
Bill was a natural entertainer with a lifelong love of music, magic and laughter. Outgoing and endlessly curious, he spoke English, Spanish, Italian, and some Yiddish, and enjoyed exploring new cultures and cuisines. His travels took him across Europe, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. In the early 2000’s, Bill traveled abroad with Andrea to Alicante for several months to study Spanish language and culture. He also accompanied her to attend a conference on psychoanalysis in China. Bill and Barbara explored many destinations via cruise ship and were always up to an adventure. Their trips to Sicily allowed them to reconnect with beloved family and learn more about their roots.
An avid fisherman and licensed boat Captain, Bill loved spending time on the water aboard his boats “Choo-Chee,” “My Lady,” and “Polisea” (the Hatteras he was so proud of). In later years, he downsized to a pontoon boat (“Jolly Roger”), which allowed Bill and Barbara to continue to enjoy light fishing and explore the local waterways together with friends and family.
A true tinkerer and inventor, Bill could fix almost anything at his workbench, proudly declaring, “The difficult I make look easy… the impossible just takes a little longer.”
Later in life, Bill embraced the Roman Catholic faith, inspired by Barbara’s devotion and peace of spirit. Together, they prayed the Rosary and attended virtual Mass daily, as well as regularly at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Fort Pierce.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Fort Pierce on Tuesday, November 4th, at 10:00 a.m.
Live Stream of the Mass will be accessible via: https://stanastasiachurch.org/church
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Bill’s memory to your favorite charity, Treasure Coast Hospice, or St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Pecola E. Branch, 92, Sebastian
November 12, 1932 ~ October 21, 2025
Pecola E. Branch, age 92, passed away peacefully at home in Sebastian, Florida, on October 21, 2025.
Born in Ford City, Pennsylvania, Pecola moved with her parents and three siblings to Buffalo, New York, during the Great Depression. There, she built a life defined by creativity, devotion, and quiet strength.
A full-time homemaker for many years, Pecola began working outside the home when her children were teenagers. She spent six years employed at Hahne’s Department Store—now home to a Starbucks—where she brought her characteristic warmth and attention to detail to every task.
While her children were in school, Pecola was an active member of the PTA. During that time, she co-founded the Hillside School Craft Show, which blossomed into an annual holiday tradition cherished by the community for decades.
Pecola’s artistic spirit shone brightly in all she did. An avid amateur floral and landscape painter, she also loved sewing and embroidery—creating beauty with her hands and imagination. As a young woman, she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer and never lost her appreciation for fine design and the glamour of old Hollywood, especially the elegant costumes of the silver screen stars.
A gifted cook, Pecola delighted in preparing elaborate holiday feasts, filling her home with the aroma of gourmet dishes and the warmth of family gatherings. Music was another of her lifelong joys. She adored jazz and classical music, counting Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Mathis, and Nat “King” Cole among her favorites. A pianist herself, she found special meaning in Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.
For more than three decades, Pecola was a devoted member of Christ Church, where she served faithfully as a Deaconess and taught Bible study for many years. She hosted one of the largest LIFE Groups in her home where many came for counsel, fellowship, and friendship.
In 2017, she was honored with the title Deaconess Emerita in recognition of her lifetime of service. Her faith and kindness touched countless lives.
Pecola was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank E. Branch, to whom she was married for nearly 40 years; her brother, Donald Fuller; and her sisters, Jean Hall and Jesse Carter. She is survived by her three daughters and son, as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends who loved her deeply and will miss her profoundly.
Her life was one of quiet artistry, devotion, and grace—an enduring example of love expressed through faith, family, and creativity.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Virginia L. Myers, 94, Florida
May 06, 1931 ~ October 29, 2025
Virginia L. Myers, age 94, passed away October 29, 2025 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
She was born in Cates, Indiana on May 6, 1931 to the late Howard and Dorothy Myers and lived in Michigan before moving to Florida in the 1980’s.
Ms. Myers was a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and retired from the Michigan public school system, after 32 years of teaching.
She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach and a lifetime member of the National Education Association.
A Graveside Service will take place 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Ladoga Cemetery in Ladoga, Indiana. Burial arrangements are by Servies Funeral and Cremation Services.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
William “Billy” Columbus Driskell, Jr., 81, Vero Beach
June 10, 1944 ~ November 05, 2025
William “Billy” Columbus Driskell, Jr., age 81, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on November 5, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 10, 1944, in Jupiter, Florida, to William Columbus Driskell, Sr. and Hazel Wynelle Simmons Driskell. He moved to Vero Beach as a toddler, and it became the place he proudly called home for the rest of his life.
Billy retired from Northrop Grumman after more than 40 years of service, where he worked as a Methods Engineer. He was respected by those he worked with, known for his patience, dedication, and willingness to lend a hand. Billy was a man of the Christian faith. He and his wife, MaryAnn, attended Genesis Church, where they found fellowship, community, and joy in worship together.
To everyone who knew him, Billy was first and foremost a devoted husband, father, PawPaw, brother, coach, and friend. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives—coaching their teams, cheering from the sidelines, and serving as President of the Little League. He continued supporting the league and high school sports long after his children were grown.
His family was always his priority. Wherever he was, you could count on hearing his laughter. He believed life was meant to be enjoyed, and jokes were simply part of who he was.
Billy adored his wife, MaryAnn. For 58 years, she was the love of his life. He cherished her wholeheartedly, and there was never a request of hers he would not say no to. Their devotion to one another was evident to all who knew them.
He is survived by his loving wife, MaryAnn Cameron Driskell; his children, W. Jeff Driskell (Heather Wallace), Michael S. Driskell (Pam), and Melissa R. Coleman (Chris); and his grandchildren, Samantha N. Driskell, Brandon T. Coleman, Coleman S. Driskell, Elisabeth R. Coleman, and W. Jaxson Driskell.
He is also survived by 8 siblings, along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel Driskell, and 1 sister. Billy will be remembered for his laughter, his kindness, his loyalty, his service to others, and his unwavering love for his family. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Genesis Church, 3660 16th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Genesis Church Building Fund in his memory.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23, May his laughter and love continue in all who knew him.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Bethel Smith Hanna, 91, Vero Beach
July 19, 1934 ~ November 05, 2025
Bethel Smith Hanna, age 91, passed away on November 5, 2025, at the VNA Hospice house of Vero Beach. She was born in Boston, MA and moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1975.
She worked at Indian River Estates- Somerset House where she was able to thrive as a compassionate care giver for seniors.
Bethel was a member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her daughters, Lynda and Valerie, son, Teddy, sons-in-law, Eddie, Darin, and Jerry Patton, grandchildren, Jimmy, Gregory, and Rachel, her brother, Bobby and sister, Margo.
Bethel was predeceased by her husband, Teddy, son, Jimmy, and siblings, Peggy, Jean, Joan, William, and Patricia.
As per Bethel’s wishes, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged in Bethel’s name to the Hospice House of Vero Beach, FL.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
