From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Elsa Wilson Sista, 92
March 29, 1930 – September 02, 2022
Elsa Wilson Sista, age 92, lived a full-life passing away peacefully after her three daughters gathered at her bedside in Vero Beach, Florida.
She was a Jersey Girl born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She met the-love-of-her life, Charles R. Sista III and they married in 1950, raising four children in Ewing Township, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1992.
Elsa was a devoted mother of four children, grandmother to 10, and great-grandmother to 11 (one great-grandson preceded her in death). In her later years, she lived a very active life with her two sisters, Charlotta Dupell and Ruth Newland, in Palm City, Florida.
Like her namesake in the movie Frozen, Elsa was devoted and kind to everyone who knew her. She was a homemaker and an expert seamstress. Elsa loved playing early-morning tennis and card games with her Palm City friends and was always helping family and friends by running errands and shuttling them to appointments and watching over her grandchildren. She was active in the Red Hatters and in the Incarnation Catholic Church in Ewing Township, New Jersey and then in later years in the Holy Redeemer Church in Palm City, Florida.
Her three surviving daughters are Karen Bauer (husband Red) of Ewing Township, New Jersey, Pamela Stone (husband Dennis) of Sebastian, Florida; Dawn Patterson (husband Bill) of Yardville, New Jersey; and son Charles R. Sista IV (wife Rachel) of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Her 10 grandchildren living from coast-to-coast include Mark Bauer, Matthew Stone, JR Stone, Sam Oertel, Cody Stone, Nicole Sprague, Kelly Ramos, Stephanie Rodriguez, Charles R. Sista V, and Allie Wargo.
A Celebration of Elsa will be held on 11/19 in Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Christine Marie “Chris” Childers, 71, Vero Beach
December 15, 1950 – September 07, 2022
Christine Marie “Chris” Childers, age 71, died peacefully in her home in Vero Beach after a lengthy battle against cancer. She is survived by her husband William Childers and her brother, Dr. Thomas Johnson. Chris was loved by many other Childers family members, her many friends, coworkers, students, and neighbors. Her parents Harry and Gull-Britt Johnson were hard-working Swedes that loved her dearly. Chris left her childhood home in Virginia and started a new life in Gainesville at University of Florida finally earning her Master’s in Social Work.
She met William when they worked together at Broward Community College where she was employed as Director of Staff Development, and they have been married for 30 years. Chris retired from her higher-education career as Director of the Career Center at Lynn University.
She always loved traveling and has visited 5 continents, 49 states and 31 US national parks. Chris always loved flora, fauna, and the natural world, was an avid birder, boater, tennis player, golfer, and snow skier. She was a certified Florida Nature Guide, served on the Board of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, and was a member of the Estes Park Women’s Club and a land monitor for the Estes Valley Land Trust for 7 years when they lived next to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. After moving back to Vero Beach, Chris turned her attention to flora and found McKee Gardens and joined as a Gatekeeper. She loved all animals but especially her white Shiba Inu, Yuki. Chris was a beautiful, talented, intelligent wife that shared a magnificent life with a loving husband, friends, and family. She battled Lymphoma the last 2 years here and at Moffitt in Tampa, never giving up like the true Viking warrior that she was.
Chris will be forever missed and never forgotten. An irreplaceable angel has flown into her God’s house, and she will be loved there too.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Norman David Hedin, 61, Vero Beach
June 06, 1961 – August 24, 2022
Norman David Hedin, age 61, of Vero Beach, passed away on August 24, 2022.
Norman was born June 6, 1961, at Fort George G. Meade Medical Center, Fort Meade, Maryland while his dad, Karl, was serving in the U.S. Air Force working at NASA.
Upon moving to Vero Beach, Norman, along with his father, Karl, began K.D. Hedin Construction Corp., general contractors in Vero Beach from 1982-1988. Norman had amazing abilities as a welder fabricator and continued to work in the construction industry.
He is survived by his two daughters, Hannah and Sarah Hedin and their mother, Norman’s former wife, Megan Hedin; as well as his brother, Keith (Jennifer) Hedin; two nephews and a niece.
Norman was predeceased by both parents, his mother, Norma Jane Collison Hedin in 1981 and his father, Karl David Hedin in 2001.
A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Gail Garnar Jacobus, 81
September 29, 1940 – September 03, 2022
Gail Garnar Jacobus, 81, passed peacefully in her sleep on September 3, 2022, in Vero Beach, FL.
Gail was born on September 29, 1940, to Katherine Fitzherbert Garnar and Howard Lester Garnar in Verona, NJ and was pre-deceased by her parents and a younger brother George E. Garnar.
She grew up in Verona, NJ, and graduated from Kimberly High School in 1958, as President. At Skidmore College, she earned a degree in American Studies and graduated in 1962. In 1989, she completed her Masters of History from Drew University and published her thesis on the Vietnam War, a war her brother fought in and one that defined her generation. Gail loved American history but most of all she loved people and found her true calling to be teaching.
Gail (aka Mrs. J) taught American History at Kent Place School in Summit, NJ for over thirty years. Her intellectual curiosity, engaging classroom style, and passion made her beloved by both students and colleagues alike. To this day, her former students send notes about their experiences in her classroom. She was honored to be the History Chair, but her greatest honors came from her students who passed the AP History exams and dedicated their yearbooks to her.
Gail raised her family as a resident of Morristown, NJ. Known as a wonderful storyteller, she entertained children at the Morristown Public Library story-hour throughout the 1970s. She was an active member of the Junior League, a PEO lifetime member, and served on the Morristown Historical Society.
Gail was an avid player of tennis, golf, bridge, and refereed girls’ field hockey and lacrosse. She so enjoyed her tennis and golf groups, although she did not like to lose. She also enjoyed long walks and making floral arrangements as a part of the Garden Club.
Known for her infectious laugh, big smile, and easy conversation, she cherished her deep and lasting friendships over the years. She was a true friend to others and enjoyed their reciprocity in friendship.
Most of all she loved her children and did everything she could to provide them with an education and opportunity. She relished her time with them and was always the center of the party. Married to Roland “Jake” Austin Jacobus III for 61 years she had three children, Roland (Randy) Austin Jacobus, Katherine (Kathy) Jacobus, and Julie Anne Jacobus. She’s the grandmother to 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gail was a true optimist and quick to recognize the strengths in others while being humble about her many gifts. Her shining example made us all better people and we will miss her.
For gift offerings in Memoriam, kindly give to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in memory of Gail Garnar Jacobus at https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach Fl.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Courtney Leigh Bowers, 51, Vero Beach
September 9, 1970 – September 3, 2022
Mrs. Courtney Leigh Bowers, 51, of Vero Beach, FL passed away Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach.
Courtney was born in Elgin, Illinois to Harvey D. and Susan Ruth Hulbert Sheren.
She had been an optician for Vision Plus. Courtney was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Vero Beach.
Survivors include her husband Brian Bowers, son Alexander Bowers, daughter Cassidy Bowers, brother Michael (Julie) Sheren of Antioch, IL, nephew and niece Nick and Kelsi Sheren.
Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society Of Vero Beach, 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967
Memorial Service celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday September 10, 2022 Grace Lutheran Church. A reception will follow at the Moose Lodge in Vero Beach.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Patricia Ann McDonagh, 68
February 5, 1954 – September 5, 2022
Patricia Ann McDonagh, 68, passed away September 5, 2022 in Vero Beach, FL. A full obituary is forthcoming.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Haynes A. McDaniel, Jr., 83
August 8, 1939 – September 6, 2022
Haynes A McDaniel, Jr., 83, passed away quietly in Vero Beach on September 6, 2022. He was born in Washington, D.C. on August 4, 1939. Haynes enjoyed riding streetcars to his classes at George Washington University, where he earned his pharmacy degree. Later, he received his MBA from Florida Atlantic University.
Haynes was the Director of Pharmacy at Indian River Memorial Hospital for over 35 years. His travels and research modernized the pharmacy when designing the new hospital in the early 1970s, including the dispensing of prescriptions using pneumatic tubes. His ideas were subsequently published in an academic trade journal. After retiring, he worked as a staff pharmacist at Walgreens for an additional 8 years.
He also worked as a consultant pharmacist and served as the founding president of the Florida Society of Hospital Pharmacists in the 1960s. He was the past president of Indian River Credit Union and a 50 year member of the First Baptist Church.
An avid railroad enthusiast, Haynes was known for his traveling and chasing trains in all 50 states. He was also the long-time owner of Mac Shops, a nationwide manufacturer of O-scale model railroad rolling stock. Many of his hand-built locomotives and cars ran on a large layout that modeled Charlotte, NC, attached to his house and also around the backyard pool.
Haynes was preceded in death by his father, Haynes “Mack” A McDaniel, Sr. and his mother, Edna “Tommy” Knowles McDaniel. He is survived by his loving wife Jeanette, and his children Dan (Wen), Dana, Diane (Kevin Heinig), Ginger Marousky (David), and grandchildren Karla, Kolby, Danielle Heinig, Christopher Peterson (Amanda), Kyle Tankersley, Jennifer Marousky, Jonathan Marousky, as well as his sister Jackie (John Hager).
Visitation will start at 1:00 on Friday, September 9 at First Baptist Church 2206 16th Ave, Vero Beach with the service beginning an hour later. Graveside service will immediately follow at Crestlawn Cemetery 1216 14th St, Vero Beach and a reception will be held at the church after interment.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in his memory to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
David Burton Grimes, 90, Vero Beach
October 8, 1931 – September 1, 2022
David Burton Grimes passed away on September 1, 2022, in Vero Beach, FL. He was 90 years old.
David was born in Cambridge, MA on October 8, 1931, to Evelyn (Griffin) Grimes and Elliot Woodbury Grimes. David had an older brother, Robert, who died in 2019 at the age of 93.
David attended Rockport schools. He worked for many years as an insurance agent with his father at the Elliot Grimes Insurance Agency in Rockport. Following his father’s retirement, David took over the Agency, retiring himself in the mid 1980’s. David married Gloria Leger in 1981 and lived locally for several years until her passing in 1993. David moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1996. In 1997, David married Mildred Borghols and lived with her until her death in 2015. David remained in Vero Beach after Mildred’s passing, hosting many members of his extended family, and made numerous new friends in his community.
David was a long-time member of Tyrian-Ashler-Acacia Lodge of Peabody, MA, serving as Worshipful Master in 1967. He was also a dedicated member of the Rockport Rotary Club.
David was an avid traveler, always wishing to see, “what was around the next bend in the road.” David loved to read, especially local history.
David leaves his cousins Richard Griffin (Claire) of Tacoma, WA; Nancy Pallazola (Victor) of Rockport, MA; Shirley Grimes Fowle of Brooksville, FL; and George Grimes (Sally) of Rockport, MA. He was a devoted uncle to Vanessa Griffin-Glatz of Boardman, OH, and Nathan Griffin of Beaverton, OR. He will be missed by his loving family and friends.
A contribution in David’s memory can be made to the Rockport Rotary at: Rockport Scholarship and Community Fund, PO Box 54, Rockport, MA 01966.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, September 23rd, at First Baptist Church in Rockport, MA.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Karen S. Skaggs, 81, Vero Beach
April 8, 1941 – September 6, 2022
Karen S. Skaggs, 81, of Vero Beach passed away September 6, 2022 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
A daughter of the late Paul Joseph and Loretta Andrew Joseph, she was born in Columbus Ohio on April 8, 1941.
Karen was a homemaker and devoted her life to her family. When she wasn’t loving on her children or grandchildren she enjoyed sewing and crafting.
She attended Central Assembly of God Church in Vero Beach.
In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her first husband and father to her children, Jordan Terry Morgan, and second husband Harold “Sandy” Skaggs.
Karen is survived by her children, Jordan Tab Morgan and wife Connie, Tamera Kolar and husband Philip, and Traci Haden; two brothers, Steve Joseph and wife Judy, and Doug Joseph and wife Charlotte; four grandchildren, Keri Broomall and husband Eric, Sara Sapienza and husband Matthew, Kelsi Haden, and Jennie Kolar; two great grandchildren, Kaiden and Zachary Broomall.
A gathering of friends and family will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Karen’s honor to VNA Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Valsett W. Latty, 66, Sebastian
April 10, 1956 – August 27, 2022
Mrs. Valsett W. Latty, 66, of Sebastian passed August 27, 2022, at 8:30 pm.
Val was born on April 10, 1956, in Montego Bay, Jamaica on the west side of the island within the St. James Parish. She is the daughter of Charles Wright and Gene Williams Wright. As a young girl, she had to work hard to earn her keep. Though her parents were strict, their lessons set the foundations that ignited Val’s fighting spirit and cultivated her contagiously light-hearted view of the world.
She was married to the love of her life, Allan L. Latty on July 17, 1990, in Montego Bay, and together they started their family on the small Caribbean Island. Moving to the United States in 1995, Val & Allan envisioned peace, prosperity, and a chance at the American Dream. Working as first-generation immigrants, Val & her husband successfully raised their children. As a God-fearing woman, Val raised her family with the utmost devotion to her faith.
Val believed in the merits of education and the tenets of hard work. She studied and became a certified nursing assistant (CNA). As a nurse, Val worked at the Acts Retirement Communities of Vero Beach taking care of several elderly Vero Beach residents. With a warm heart and endearing smile, Val helped many of Indian River County’s elderly live longer and enjoy their golden years.
After a work injury damaged her body and changed her life, Val transitioned to helping the youth of Indian River County. She worked with the transportation department, directly overlooking the transport of students to and from school, many with severe disabilities. Val cared for “her kids,” as she would call them, with all her heart and loved each one thoroughly. After over a decade of dedicated labor and service to her community, the wear and tear of assisting the handicapped and mentally ill youth eventually took a toll on her body. Injury and pain forced her out of the workforce. Still to this day whenever a former student or school bus passenger sees the name Valsett Latty, they remember her fondly and send their dearest greetings: “Is your mom Mrs. Latty? She was so cool and nice; tell her I said hello.”
This testimony would be the roadmap of Val’s life. Wherever she went people fell in love with her. Her warm smile, her infectious sense of humor, her liberating laughter, and the light she carried touched everyone she met. One would never know the true pain she was in because her inner light overshadowed all darkness. Her light will ever shine.
Valsett is survived by her husband, Allan L. Latty; daughters, Alicia Latty and Gene Chambliss; sons, Alan B. Latty and Allan G. Latty, all of Sebastian.
Valsett was preceded by her daughter Michelle Latty.
Services will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Valsett’s name to Operation Smile at www.operationsmile.org. Val loved seeing the smiling faces of our most precious resource.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Elenor Straub Parets, 87, Micco
August 25, 1935 – August 27, 2022
Elenor Straub Parets, age 87, passed away on August 27, 2022, in Sebastian, Florida after living a long and joyful life. Elenor was born on August 25, 1935, in Flushing Meadows, New York to her parents Walter and Bertha Straub. Her family moved to Micco, Florida where she was raised on a tropical fish farm.
During her teenage years, Elenor worked as a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons for the Red Cross. Summers were spent at her beloved Camp Tonawanda in North Carolina, where she later returned as a counselor and lifeguard. Elenor graduated from Melbourne High School, and the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. While at UF, Elenor was a member of the Swim Fins water ballet team.
During a college dance class, Elenor met the love of her life, Gene Parets and they married the day after they graduated in 1958. Shortly after, Elenor moved with Gene to numerous locations for his Monsanto business assignments. Elenor dedicated her life to raising their two children, Gene Jr. and Lisa, while settling her family into their new hometowns. Cities where they resided include Pensacola, FL, Decatur, AL, London, England, St. Louis, MO, and Guntersville, AL.
Elenor had a passion for nature, especially flowers and birds. She was well known everywhere she lived for her beautiful gardens and lush landscapes. She became a certified Master Gardener in all 3 states she lived in, as well as president of the Garden Club of Guntersville. She was an avid reader of gardening books, and also won awards for her flower arranging skills.
In 1979, Elenor and Gene were transferred to Tarragona, Spain where they lived for 2 years. The following 12 years were spent back at Monsanto Headquarters in St. Louis. In 1993, they moved back to their home in Guntersville, while spending their summer months in Micco, FL. They finally settled full time into Elenor’s Florida family home in 2004. Elenor loved to travel, and she and Gene did so extensively throughout her lifetime. She especially enjoyed their numerous international trips.
Elenor was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, as well as friend, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Elenor is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Bertha Straub.
Elenor is survived by her loving husband, Gene Parets; her brother, Walter Straub Jr. (Norma); her son, Gene Parets, Jr. (Sherry); her daughter, Lisa Hayes (Randy); her four grandchildren Derek Parets (Gleybis), Hannah Pham (Jeremy), Reid Hayes, and Jennison Hayes; her two great-grandchildren Julian Parets and Mazikeen Pham, along with two nieces and one nephew.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 9 at 11:00 AM at Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian, FL with a reception to follow in the Tiffany Room at Captain Hiram’s. In lieu of flowers, donations in
Elenor’s name can be sent to The Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of IRC, located at 2300 5th Ave, Suite 150, Vero Beach, FL 32960 (www.alzpark.org).
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Joseph James Wilson, 75, Vero Beach
November 17, 1946 – September 06, 2022
Mr. Joseph James Wilson, 75, of Vero Beach, FL passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at his home.
Joseph was born in Jersey City, NJ to the late Frank and Genevieve Guilfoyle Wilson and moved to Vero Beach 3 years ago from Orlando, FL.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served in the US Navy as a member of a Seal team, formerly known as a Frogman.
Joseph, as a Master Machinist and Tool and Die Maker, had worked as an Amusement Ride Project Manager for several mainstream companies including Disney, for which he completed the American Adventure and Illuminations. After working for Disney for many years he began working for the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Nation where he received the coveted nickname of “Tree.” HIs career fostered his love of traveling and allowed him to work in Singapore where he built The Mummy Ride.
Upon retiring, Joseph began enjoying gardening and growing pineapples and avocados. He was a member of the Scottish Club in Indian River County, Pinecastle Masonic Lodge #368 in Pinecastle, FL, and as the son of a machinist loved the world of tools which he shared with many people.
Survivors include his beloved wife of over 50 years Karen, sons he admired Casey (Sara) currently stationed in the United Kingdom and Kelly (Christin) of Westfield, MA, his adored grandchildren Taevin, Shane, Charlie, and Calliope, brothers Michael of Matawan, NJ and Peter of New Jersey, sisters Theresa (Chris) of Swiftwater, PA, Carol (Bob) of Atlantic Highlands, NJ and Margy (Jim) of St. Augustine, FL.
He was preceded in death by brothers Frank, Larry, and Robert.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Scottish Society of the Treasure Coast, PO Box 5263, Vero Beach, FL 32961.
The family will gather to receive friends and celebrate his life Sunday, September 11, 2022, from 1- 3 PM at the Strunk Funeral Home in Sebastian, FL with Military Honors by the Sebastian Area Veterans Honor Guard at 3 PM. A reception will follow at a local venue.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1623 North Cental Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Kathleen “Kathy” Bernice Harmon, 57, Barefoot Bay
March 14, 1965 – September 7, 2022
Ms. Kathleen “Kathy” Bernice Harmon, 57, of Barefoot Bay, Florida fought a long battle with Lupus. She passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at her home.
Kathy was born in Annapolis, Maryland and moved to Barefoot Bay 12 years ago with her husband, Dan, coming from Bermerton, Washington.
She found great pleasure in raising her cats, Gizmo, Sally and Motor. She loved the beaches and living in Florida with her husband, Dan. She loved her son, Michael, they were very close. She was his best friend.
We will miss her dearly!
Her beloved family survivors include her son Michael Harmon of Bremerton, Washington, mother Carol Audrey Marshall and father Michael Roger Flaherty both of Barefoot Bay, sister Michelle M. (Brad) Whitehall, niece Amanda Whitehall all of Barefoot Bay, FL, nephews Zackery (Krystal) Whitehall of Leavenworth, Washington, Ryan (Faith) Kimbrel and Cody Ansley of Oklahoma, aunt Donna Prochazka of Maryland, cousins Claire Persise and Alison (John) Newman of Florida and Kimberly Sansevere of Mississippi.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dan Laurie, stepmom, Barbara Flaherty, sisters Debbie Wagner and Lisa Ansley and stepfather, Slaw Marshall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 75 Northeast Sixth Avenue, #223, Delray Beach, FL 33483.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Barbara Joan McReynolds, 90, Vero Beach
June 18, 1932 – August 27, 2022
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From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Gerald “Jerry” William Schwenk, 71
November 21, 1950 – September 1, 2022
Gerald, “Jerry” William Schwenk, 71 passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2022. He was born on November 21, 1950, in Hackensack, NJ to Harold Schwenk Sr and Virginia (Peets) Schwenk. Jerry graduated from Sachem Central School District, served in the US National Guard, and majored in business. He spent his entire career working for National Grid.
Jerry married his High School sweetheart Judith Schwenk and had just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past May.
As an avid outdoorsman, Jerry loved to fish, hunt, and camp. He especially loved spending time with his family.
Jerry was a supportive and caring husband and father. His sons Jason, Jeffrey, and Kevin often mentioned Jerry as their “idol.” Jerry was an active participant in their boy scout activities, and all sporting events, along with regular life’s trials and tribulations. Jerry taught them all how to love first and enjoy every moment.
If you ask anyone who met Jerry, they would say this: “From a handshake and a hello, he made you feel like you knew him for years. He was the easiest man to connect with and even easier to love!” “It will be the little things that you will remember. The quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter.”
Jerry was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his loving wife, Judith; sons, Jason (Alicia), Jeffrey (Jennifer) Schwenk, and Kevin (Tara) Schwenk. His greatest loves, are his grandchildren, Olivia, Ryan, Justice, Dylan, Natalie, Daisy, and Hunter. His brother, Harold (Spike) Schwenk Jr; sister, Janice Schwenk Filkins, and his loving nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 3:00 until 4:00 PM followed by a Service of Remembrance at 4 PM at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach.
Online condolences may be shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Gerald “Jerry” William Schwenk, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Marianne Harper Gray, 88, Vero Beach
September 3, 2022
Marianne Harper Gray, 88, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022 in Vero Beach, FL with family by her side.
Anne was born in Mexico, Missouri to Marjorie Patterson Campbell and John Harper on September 1, 1934. When she was six years old, her father passed which resulted in her mother and sisters moving in with Uncle Bob Weeks and his wife Aunt Cess. Uncle Bob and Aunt Cess were instrumental in supporting this young family.
Anne received a scholarship to Lindenwood Presbyterian School for Women in St. Charles, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Missouri. While at Mizzou,
she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. As a sorority pledge, Anne was given the duty of escorting Leven to the sorority brother/sister dinner because his sister Shirley, a sorority member herself, had already graduated and was not able to attend. (At the time of the dinner Anne and Leven had never met!) Evidently things went very well… and subsequently they fell in love and later were married in 1956 in Mexico, Missouri.
Anne earned degrees in secondary education, elementary education, and Gifted and Talented Education. She served as a teacher, tutor, and resource teacher for gifted and talented students for twenty-five years.
After Leven began working for the Goddard Space Flight Center (and eventually the NASA headquarters in DC), they moved their family to Annapolis, MD in 1967 from Sandusky, Ohio. They began boating and exploring the Chesapeake Bay and various ports of call along the East Coast including St. Michaels, Chestertown, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Block Island and many more with their dear friends in the boating community. They also hosted a beloved and quite lively annual New Year’s Eve party for their friends and neighbors in the Annapolis Roads community.
Once in retirement, Captain Leven and First Mate Anne traveled the Intercoastal Waterway on their 47-foot Motor Yacht Jabberwoc to winter in the Bahamas for 10 years. Vero Beach was a favorite stop along their journey. Eventually, they chose to make Grand Harbor, and then Indian River Estates, their full-time home.
Throughout her life, Anne was involved in church and community activities. In Vero, she served as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church and volunteered at Vero Beach elementary school, the Grand Harbor Ladies Nine-hole golf league. Cleveland Clinic Indian River Medical Center (CC IRMC), VNA Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, and the Bikes for Kids program sponsored by the local chapter Guardian Ad Litem chapter. Anne and Leven were also Golden Eagle donors to CC IRMC.
Anne is preceded in death by the love of her life and devoted husband of 61 years, Leven, and her sister, Jane Park. She is survived by her loving family: Leven Randal Yamazaki-Gray and wife, Miyako Yamazaki-Gray, and their daughters, Kira Kai Leven Naeha Yamazaki-Gray and Tamara Kai Hinanoe Yamazaki-Gray of Molokai, Hawaii; David Weeks Gray of Spofford, New Hampshire; Suzanna Bliss and husband, Dr. Steven Sobel, of Middlesex, Vermont. She is also survived by her sister, Bobette Ramage of Cheboygan, MI.
Anne’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the many talented and caring doctors, nurses, hospice employees and volunteers, Willowbrook staff, church affiliates, and dedicated friends who have supported and cared for Anne. Her spirit is now soaring free and looking for new mischief and adventures!
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the Lord’s Servant Anne Gray will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 10:30 AM at the First Presbyterian Church at 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach, FL 32960. A live stream option is available through the First Presbyterian church’s website or their Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the First Presbyterian Church or VNA Hospice 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Condolences may be shared online at coxgiffordseawinds.com.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Marianne Harper Gray, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert Carlo Bartolucci, Sr., 93
September 6, 2022
A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert Carlo Bartolucci, Sr. 93, who passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2022, will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Friday, September 16, 2022 at 10:00AM. The Rosary and The Divine Mercy
Chaplet will be prayed on Thursday, September 15 th at 4:00PM at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home with visitation to follow from 5:00 until 7:00PM. Born in Raritan, NJ, Robert was a son of the late Marino and Clemente Bartolucci. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Verne (Powell) Bartolucci, married 56 years; also, by two sons, Rob Bartolucci and Steve Bartolucci; his brothers, Edward Bartolucci and Raymond Bartolucci; and two grandchildren, Bridget Bartolucci and Joseph Bartolucci. Robert is survived by two sons, Thomas (Joanne) Bartolucci and Greg (Amy) Bartolucci; daughters-in-law, Pam Bartolucci and Gina Bartolucci; Ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Bartolucci; and sister, Clara DeFazio. In lieu of flowers the family graciously requests donations be made in Roberts name to the Centennial Renovation Fund at St. Helen Catholic Church 2000 20th St. Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Kathleen Marie Gray, 69, Sebastian
March 2, 1953 – August 29, 2022
Kathleen Marie Gray, age, 69, passed suddenly on Monday, August 29, 2022, at Sebastian Indian River Hospital. She was born on March 2, 1953, in New Jersey.
Kathy was a lifelong educator and a relentless advocate for students and their families. She fulfilled her dream of retiring in Florida where she resided in the Sebastian River Landing Community. Kathy shared her home with her loving companion, Maya, her Labradoodle. She loved the sun, the beach, friends by her pool, and the Tiki Bar & Grill.
Kathy will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
No services will be scheduled. Donations, in memory of Kathy, may be made to the following ALS organizations:
The ALS Association Florida Chapter
www.alsafl.org
The Gleason Foundation
www.team gleason.org
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Kathleen M. Gray, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
