Robert Gibson Bowman, 98, Vero Beach
Robert “Bob” Gibson Bowman, 98, was born on May 28, 1921, in Bronxville, N.Y., and died on April 18, 2020, in Vero Beach.
He was the son of Col. Milton Strong Bowman and Margaret Gibson Bowman and the grandson of Charles Robert Gibson, founder of the C.R. Gibson Company, Norwalk, Ct.
Bob graduated from Hackley School and attended Dartmouth College before leaving to enlist in the Army in 1941where he served as an artillery officer in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He left active duty as a Major and continued in the National Guard Reserve until 1952. Bob was then called to join the family company, C.R. Gibson, where he became president in 1954 serving until 1976 when the company went public and he became CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Bob worked tirelessly for many civic and business organizations in Connecticut as he felt it is very important to give back to the community. He served as President for the Norwalk Manufacturer’s Council, Norwalk United Way, Norwalk YMCA, The Five Town Foundation and the Silvermine Guild for the Arts. He was a director at Gateway and Union Trust Banks, the Darien Historical Society and a Vestry member of Saint Luke’s Church Darien, Ct.
Bob enjoyed a good game of golf and became President of Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Ct., and the Connecticut State Seniors Golf Association.
After retiring to Johns Island in Vero Beach, there was just so much golf Bob could play and once again found himself President of the Riverside Theater and the Endowment Fund, a director at the VNA Hospice Foundation and strong supporter of Dogs for Life and ARC foundation. He also held the title of oldest Councilman when he served for the town of Indian River Shores.
Bob will be remembered for love of golf, sailing, curling, being with friends and family, and most importantly his generosity, kindness and taking care of others. He gave freely of himself and never expected anything more than friendship in return.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 62 years, Bette, and is survived by their daughter, Meg (Steven) Mack, of Madison, Ct., and their children, Christopher Mack (fiancée, Jessica), of Madison, Wisc., Dr. Peter (Jessica) Mack, of Charlotte, N.C.; and his three playful little great-grandsons, George, Miles and Walter, who their Poppy Bob loved so much and not to be forgotten, his dear dog, Jack.
Bob leaves behind his present wife, Geraldine Downey Bowman; and her children, Daniel (Linda) Downey, Frederick (Molly) Downey, Gregor (Janet) Downey, and Bryan Downey (John Fryday); and his many loving caretakers.
Interment will be private at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, N.Y., with military honors.
In celebration of Bob’s life we would like to suggest a donation to Dogs for Life Vero Beach or a donation of your own time or talent to help others as Bob so readily did throughout his entire life.
William Eugene Bush, Sebastian
William Eugene Bush, of Sebastian, went to be with the Lord on April 17, 2020.
William was born in Tampa, FL, however, he was a full-time resident of Claremont, N.H.
He was a graduate of Stevens High School and became a private pilot while in High School. Upon graduation, he entered the Army Air Corp as a Cadet during World War II. After the war, he received his BS Degree from Ithaca College, Ithaca, N.Y., where he was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia Fraternity.
He spent his professional years supervising and directing musical activities in New York State and throughout New England. He was a member of the Air Force Band as well as other Big Bands. He was Supervisor of Music in Elizabethtown, N.Y., Norwalk, Ct., and Hartford, Vt.
He also taught music at the University of New Hampshire Summer Music School for eight years. Other accomplishments include Director of the Vermont Barbershop Chorus and Director of the Claremont Chorale Society who were chosen to perform at the New York Worlds Fair.
William was the owner and President of Bush Music Center, Inc. in Claremont, N.H. He retired in 1990 and moved to Sebastian, where he continued to teach music and shared his love of the Lord through performances at many concerts and churches in New Hampshire and Florida.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Jayne Nault Bush; his three sons, Steven S. Bush (wife, Carol), Tuftonboro, N.H., William E. Bush, Jr. (wife, Sharon), Sebastian, and Timothy G. Bush (wife, Katherine), Big Sky, Mont.; and his daughter, Jayne-Ellen Bush, Maui, Hawaii; five grandchildren, Justin W. Bush, Mary-Joliene Tyra, Polly C. Bush, Jonathan W. Bush, Kelsey R. Bush; five great-grandchildren, Jade, Lily, and Logan Tyra, and Kayden W. Bush and Larenna A. Bush; sister, Mary T. Williams, North Carolina; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank W. and Pauline T. Bush, of Claremont, N.H.; and his brother, Richard W. Bush, of California.
Services will be held at Mimms Veterans Cemetary at the convenience of the family
Arrangements are being made by Seawinds Funeral Home, Sebastian.
When God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be
He put his arms around you
and whispered come to me
He didn’t like what you went through
and gave you rest
His garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best
And when he saw you sleeping
So peaceful free from pain
We wouldn’t want you back
To suffer that again
Today we say goodbye
And as you take your final rest
That garden must be beautiful
Because you are one of the best.
Lawrence Lee Canovali, 90, Vero Beach
Lawrence “Larry” Lee Canovali, 90, passed away on Saturday April 18, 2020. Larry was born and raised in Pittsburg, Pa. He was the son of the late Peter and Martha Canovali.
As a young man, he enlisted in the air force and served in the Korean War.
After completing his service he became an electrical engineer. His career as an engineer in the pulp industry took him all over the country.
Larry lived in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Georgia and Florida. He finally retired and settled in Vero Beach where he enjoyed golf, swimming, working out, wood working, and all sports, especially his Pittsburg teams.
Larry had a warm, happy personality and could often be found dancing and singing wherever he was. He loved spending time with his family, playing cards, and especially laughing and playing with his great-grandchildren.
He was the cherished father of Debbie Boniface (husband, Bill), of Kinnelon, N.J., and Vero Beach. He was a devoted grandfather to Meredith Kayne (husband, Josh), of Boca Raton, Fla.
He was also the cherished great-grandfather of Bodhi, Luca and Jude Kayne. Larry is also survived by his dear siblings, David Canovali (wife, Tina), Donald Canovali, and Peter Canovali (wife, Carol). Larry will also be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews and close friends.
Larry was a loving husband, predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan; his beloved grandson, Larry Boniface; his brother, Paul Canovali; and sister Rose DeJohn.
Donations may be made in his name to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital.
A formal service to celebrate Larry’s life will be scheduled at a later date.
Frances Keen Clark, 82, Vero Beach
Frances Keen Clark, 82, of Vero Beach, died April 18, 2020, at VNA Hospice after suffering a stroke. She was a resident of Indian River Estates in Vero Beach.
Frances was born March 30, 1938, in Lexington, N.C., to Roy L. and Hilda Tate Keen.
Although Frances was part of the Keen family who owned and operated Keen’s Foods, Inc. (now known as the Village Beach Market), she never worked in the store. She said with her husband, son, brother, and sister all working there, that was “enough family in the family business.”
Fran worked for the Recording Department of the Clerk of Court for Indian River County until her retirement.
She was a member of King’s Baptist Church at the time of her passing. She loved Jesus and her family with all of her heart. We know that she lives in Heaven with her Savior and is free of pain.
She is survived by her children, Brian (Kathy), of Atlanta, Ga., and Darrell (Sue), of Vero Beach; grandchildren Joseph, Daniel and Andrew Clark, of Atlanta, Lt. Matthew Clark of Boston, Mass., Scott, Katie, and Jayson Clark, of Vero Beach; and her sister-in-law, Meta C. Keen, of Vero Beach. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, her younger siblings Jerry L. Keen and Judy Keen Taylor; and her husband, Ashley D. Clark.
A small family graveside service was held with a memorial service to follow at a later date.
Interment was at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.
Stephen Charles Koehler, Vero Beach
Stephen Charles Koehler, of Vero Beach, formerly of Oxford, Pa., passed away on April 18, 2020, with at his family at his side. Steve was born in Philadelphia in 1951 and raised in Malvern, Pa. He was the son of the late Harry Koehler and Anne Marie Koehler (nee Gallen).
He graduated from Great Valley High School in 1968. He served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the frigate Voge.
Steve attended Penn State University and spent the majority of his career with the Boeing Corporation in Seattle and Philadelphia.
He is survived by his sisters, Christine Koehler Peskin (Michael), of Vero Beach, Marianne Sullivan (Tim), of Raleigh, N.C.; and his brothers, Joseph Koehler (Terri), of Centreville, Md., Matthew Koehler (Margaret), of San Cristobal, N.M., and Andrew Koehler (Virginia), of Chester Springs, Pa. He was the devoted uncle of Amelia, Annika, Benjamin, Laura Rose, Lindsay, Meredith, Daniel, Julia, Zackary, Kyle and Mark.
He retired to Vero Beach in 2012. Steve enjoyed boating, fishing, the beaches of Florida and all things U.S. Navy.
Funeral Services in Vero Beach are private. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to the Navy Seal Foundation. His life will be celebrated at a later date.
Robert Frederick McCabe, 80, Vero Beach
Renowned collector of books, bow ties, and new best friends, Robert Frederick McCabe, 80, died peacefully April 21, 2020, following a valiant battle with Amyloidosis of the heart. Cheerful and full of jokes, even during the darkest days, Bob spent his final moments at home with his beloved wife, Eleonora Wahlstrom McCabe, and his loyal four-legged companions, Mollie and Brandi.
Born on Aug. 15, 1939, in Ogdensburg, N.Y., Bob was the youngest son of a hardworking couple, Mary and Rolfe McCabe. Born prematurely, his mother shielded him from traditional team sports as a child. This compelled Bob to harness his quick wit and outgoing personality to win over friends and teachers. These interpersonal skills lasted a lifetime.
Bob attended Syracuse University, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His summers were spent working at the famous Thousand Islands Club located on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York.
Serving in almost every possible position, from desk clerk to golf caddie to reservation manager, Bob honed his people skills with the famous and not so famous guests drawn annually to the resort.
It was there he impressed financier Milton Weir, the first president of Arvida Corporation, a South Florida land development group. In 1967, Mr. Weir enticed Bob to Florida with a job running public relations for Boca Raton National Bank. Bob never looked back.
Bob parlayed his banking experience into a career in mergers and acquisitions and underwriting. Eventually he moved into investment banking and venture capitalism. His most successful endeavor was as Chairman of the Board of Gulfstream Media Group, publisher of Gold Coast magazine and one of Florida’s longest-running, city-regional publishing companies.
In 1984, fate intervened once again in Bob’s life. On a blind date in Vero Beach, he met his soulmate and future wife, Eleonora. Shortly after this life-changing encounter, Bob relocated to Vero Beach to be near Ellie and they married nine months later.
For 35 years, Bob and Ellie lived a life filled with friends, family, and philanthropy. While Vero Beach remained home base, for 12 years they enjoyed summers in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., at their cherished estate, Tara by the Lake. Tara became the site of Bob’s inaugural annual 50th birthday party. He was blessed to celebrate the anniversary of his 50th birthday for 30 years straight. When not traveling the world, Bob was often by Ellie’s side supporting one of their many favorite charities through The Robert F. and Eleonora W. McCabe Foundation, for which he served as Vice President.
He was a member of the John’s Island Club and Bent Pine Golf Club in Vero Beach and the Metropolitan Club of New York. He was formerly a member of the 100 Club of South Palm Beach County, Saratoga Golf and Polo Club and Saratoga Reading Room.
Because of his financial and philanthropic background, Bob was often asked by nonprofit organizations for guidance. He was a director of the Environmental Learning Center Foundation, the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County Foundation and President of the Franklin Society. He was previously the Chairman of the Board of Regents of Marymount College, founder and director of the Bankers’ Club of Boca Raton, National Director of the Syracuse University Alumni Association and President of the Society of Ireland of Florida. He is also a previous trustee of the Elizabeth Faulk Foundation and Florida Atlantic University Foundation.
One of Bob’s favorite hobbies was meeting new friends. His generosity of spirit, love and humor has left a permanent mark etched on the hearts of people far and wide. They will remember him most for his famous one-liners, known as Bob-isms. Among the many favorites are “God takes care of fools, drunks and Irishmen and I’ve been all three” and “I have never been drunk, but on occasion I have been over-served!”
Considered by many as the world’s best people chemist, Bob found joy in making people smile with a slightly indelicate joke or double-entendre. He was the self-described Patron Saint of the Service Industry, swift and generous with tips of money and sound advice. Many turned to Bob as a trusted mentor in search of wisdom about life and business and he never hesitated to help a new best friend.
Bob would love nothing more than to be remembered by friends and family as S.O.B. – Sweet Ol’ Bob. Although he is not one for regrets, he always lamented being denied a vanity license plate by the State of Florida bearing his well-known moniker.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Barry (Rebecca), of Atlanta, Ga., and Brett (Laura), of The Woodlands, Texas; and a stepson, Bruce (Patti), of Rye, N.H.; five grandchildren, Cormac, Cooper, Megan, Colin and Carson; and two step-grandchildren, Rebecca and Justin.
Bob is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Rolf; brothers, Michael and Donald; stepson, Roy Johnson; and stepdaughter, Lois Hughes.
Raised Roman Catholic, although occasionally describing himself as a “Roaming Catholic,” Bob’s life will be celebrated by family and friends at a later date. The family extends its deepest gratitude for the care provided by VNA Hospice of Indian River County in Bob’s final days and for the support of Melissa Blizman, a faithful employee and friend to Bob and Ellie for over 30 years.
In lieu of flowers, Bob requested memorial contributions be made to his two favorite charities: The Frederic Remington Art Museum, 303 Washington Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or The Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary Street, Clayton, NY 13624.
Enna Sigler, 98, Vero Beach
Enna Sigler, 98, of Vero Beach died peacefully on April 21, 2020, at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach.
Enna was born in Rock Rapids, Iowa, to Jacob and Reina Van Gelder. She and her twin sister, Fenna, were the youngest of seven girls.
She married Donald H. Sigler in 1943. When Don became an Eastern Airlines pilot, they moved to Miami, Fla., in 1947. She was a homemaker, devoted mother and active volunteer in many organizations including schools, scouts, religious and political organizations. They moved to Vero Beach in 1981 and she was widowed shortly afterwards.
In her later years, Enna enjoyed being a grandmother, an officer in her homeowner’s association, an active member and volunteer at Christ By the Sea Methodist Church. She loved to garden, sew, and teach friends to embroider. She was a friend to her neighbors and people of all ages.
She lived her life according to God’s Word. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she shared her faith in Jesus Christ with family, friends, as well as strangers.
She is survived by her children, Donald H. Sigler, Jr. (Linda), of Vero Beach; Susan Sloane (Marty), of Stuart, Fla.; her twin sister, Fenna Klingberg; and niece, Kristin Carsley (Bob), of Oxford, Miss.; and her six grandchildren, Richard Sigler, of Kernersville, N.C., Faith Sigler Zydowsky, of Suwanee, Ga., Matthew Sigler, of Eureka, Calif., Melissa Sloane, of Delray Beach, Fla., Carolyn Sloane, of Los Angeles, Calif., and Thomas Sloane, of Middleburg, Va.; six great-grandchildren; as well as her daughter-in-law, Jo Sigler, of Fort Pierce, Fla., many nieces, nephews, and devoted friends.
Enna was predeceased by her loving husband, Donald H. Sigler; son, Richard E. Sigler; Ann Elizabeth Sigler and Kay Sigler.
Her memorial service is postponed. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Christ By the Sea UMC, 3755 Highway A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963.
Anne Atlee Stone, 82, Vero Beach
Anne Atlee Stone, 82, of Vero Beach, died April 12, 2020. She was born June 15, 1937, to loving parents Dr. Edward D. Atlee and Elizabeth Black Atlee, and raised in Ardmore, Pa., along with a brother, Edward D. Atlee Jr., who predeceased her in 2002.
Anne attended Haverford High School and Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pa.
She married Richard H. Clements in 1954 and raised two sons, Richard H. Clements Jr. and Robert L. Clements.
Anne loved to garden, read, and travel. She was a freelance writer publishing many humor articles in the Philadelphia Bulletin Sunday magazine. She designed greeting cards, wrote poetry, and made up a crossword puzzle, which was published in the New York Herald Tribune.
Richard, her husband of 31 years, died in 1986.
Anne married again in 1989 to Harrison A.G. Stone. They were happily married until his death in 2005. Having traveled to many places over the years. Their travels took them to Mexico 10 times because of an archaeological interest in Mayan history.
She is survived by her two sons, Richard (wife, Laura) Clements, of Aston, Pa., and Robert (wife, Lisa), of Claymont, Del.; three grandchildren, Carann Tribbett, of Aston, Pa., Crystal Hayward, of Denver, Colo., and Robert Clements, of Media, Pa.; and four great-grandchildren.
