From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Gia Lucchini, 45
July 02, 1978 – July 16, 2023
Gia Lucchini, age 45, passed away July 16, 2023 in Vero Beach.
She was a smiling, talkative child, who always wanted to please. Gia talked before she crawled and walked. She was highly intelligent and silly and would always put a smile on your face.
Gia graduated from Vero Beach High School and Indian River College with a degree.
She is survived by her daughter, Ariana; mother, Lauren; father, Joseph A. Lucchini; sister, Lauren Lucchini (Johnathan Walton); and brother, Joseph (Stephanie) Lucchini; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
The love of her life was and always has been her daughter. There was never a sentence that she didn’t include her name. We are all happy that she got to see what a beautiful, smart daughter she created.
Gia was a fixer. She loved to help everyone. If you had a cut or bruise, she was there. Her kind, sweet heart will always be with us.
A Gathering of friends and family will be held 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Donald Wayne “Happy” Harrell Sr., 74, Vero Beach
July 29, 1948 – July 19, 2023
Donald Wayne “Happy” Harrell Sr., age 74, July 19, 2023, Vero Beach, Florida.
He was born in Tampa Bay, FL and moved to Vero Beach from Milton, FL.
Happy was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the 3rd Marine Division (1st Battalion, 9th Marines, also known as the 1/9 or “The Walking Dead,” an outfit that sustained the highest casualty rate in Marine Corps history in Vietnam).
He retired after 30 years with the Miller Brewery of Albany, Georgia as a journeyman machinist.
Happy was a nondenominational Protestant.
He was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner. Happy volunteered as a firefighter in the town of Fort Gaines, GA.
Happy was an avid fisherman and hunter.
Happy is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Harrell; brothers, Richard Allen Harrell, and James Harrell; sons, Donald Wayne Harrell, Jr., and Paul Mochmer; daughters, Shadowlena Harrell, Monica Harrell, and Susan Harrell; and niece Jeanette Rivera.
He was predeceased by both his parents, Dewey W. and Alberta J. Baker Harrell.
A Visitation will be held 4 – 6 p.m., on Wednesday, July 26th at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. The Funeral Service will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Veterans Honors will be given at Federal Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Dorothy J. Costa, 101, Vero Beach
February 14, 1922 – July 23, 2023
Dorothy J. Costa, age 101, passed away July 23, 2023 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida.
She was born in Berkley, Massachusetts and lived in Dighton, Massachusetts before moving to Vero Beach in 1976.
Ms. Costa retired from Paul A. Dever State School, after 20 years of caring for handicapped children. She was a state waivered LPN.
Dorothy was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church.
Survivors include her daughters, Gloria (John) Lynn and Mary Ann (Wayne) Dessert; ten grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond J. Costa; son, Raymond Costa, Jr.; sisters, Beatrice, Natalie, Ruth, and Alice; brothers, Kenneth and Lester.
A private service will be held at Crestlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Ruth A. Smith, 98, Vero Beach
December 06, 1924 – July 24, 2023
Ruth A. Smith, 98, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed into eternity to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 24, 2023. Ruth was born on December 6, 1924 in Ages, Kentucky to Alfred Houston Hale and Mary Ann Hale (Wildes).
She grew up in New River, Scott County Tennessee where she excelled in school and sang with the Baptist church choir, including a trip to the grand opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of her cherished memories. After the death of her young mother, Ruth was sent to live with an Aunt in Cincinnati, Ohio. She became a nanny for the Proctor family and later found a job working to support the war effort. There, she met and married the love of her life, Charles R. Smith. After returning to Tennessee to care for her ailing father and give birth to their first two children, the couple moved permanently to Lebanon, Ohio. They opened Smith Grocery in Genntown, Ohio in 1952 with a truckload of watermelons and a bumper crop of cucumbers. The pair were natural entrepreneurs and their business grew to include a pottery shop, gas station, carry out, truck stop restaurant and auction house. Eventually they opened Genntown Furniture, a Lebanon landmark for 25 years.
Ruth’s passion was for mentoring and encouraging young people. She assisted in founding the Lebanon charter chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) in order to provide scholarships to young women and promote a supportive network to all women in the workforce. Ruth was tireless in supporting her local community through her business, her dedication to local and state politics and the Genntown Church.
Instead of retiring at age 65, she started a second career with the Ohio Department of Transportation as a travel counselor. For the next ten years she promoted the beautiful state of Ohio and made lasting memories visiting the state’s many destinations with her fellow employees. Ruth finally retired at age 76 and became a snowbird, dividing her time between Ohio and Florida, where she could enjoy her new role as “GeeGee” to her great grandchildren and spend time with her beloved sister, Maude. She lived the last years of her life with her children where she loved to sing and draw and spend time outdoors by the beach.
She is survived by her daughter Patricia Pemberton of Vero Beach and daughter and son-in-law, Suzan and Mark Blaker of Vero Beach. Sister, Maude Baker of Charleston, SC, grandchildren, Michelle (Terrance) Campbell, Sheri (Dion) Smith, Brent Whaley, Tina (David) Parton, Alex (Kristin) Smith and Nic Smith. Ruth cherished her extensive family and was especially grateful for those she was able to be close to, Katelynn Campbell, Cameron Smith , Jacob Smith and her “favorite” niece, Barbara Cain. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles and son, Floyd R. Smith as well as five young brothers, Herman, Woodrow, Conley, James and George. She leaves a legacy of a great faith in God, love of family and friends and hard work.
Her earthly body will be interned next to her husband at Miami Cemetery in Waynesville, Ohio.
Donations in Ruth’s honor may be made to the Warren County Foundation Scholarship Fund, PO Box 490, Lebanon, Ohio 45039. (Note: Ruth A Smith Memorial Fund)
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Mario Babbi, 86
December 08, 1936 – July 30, 2023
Mario Babbi, age 86, passed away July 30, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
He was born December 8, 1936 in Cairo, Egypt.
Mario is survived by his beloved wife, Eliana Babbi.
Many times Mario expressed that he would not want us to be overcome with sadness, but to celebrate his life at this time.
A Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2000 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960., with interment to immediately follow at Crestlawn Cemetery, 1216 14th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Carolyn Julia Robinet, 91, Vero Beach
February 29, 1932 – July 29, 2023
Carolyn Julia Robinet, 91, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Carolyn was a leap year baby, born on February 29, 1932 in Lima, Ohio, and thus would claim to be 23 as this is the number of actual birthdays she had celebrated. She was the second youngest of five children of John A. and Florence M. Dimond Kraus.
Carolyn is survived by three sons: Bill (Marie) of Long Beach, California, Ron (Edie) of Modesto, California, and Roger (Valaine) of Vero Beach; and three daughters: Diana (David) Buzinski of Harrison, Michigan, Jean Marie (Randy) Elkins and Susan Robinet of Seattle, Washington.
Carolyn spent her childhood in Pontiac, Michigan and graduated from St. Frederic’s High School in 1950, where she bonded with classmates who remained loyal friends throughout her life. She earned a degree in Education and briefly taught second grade before marrying Arthur Robinet on Valentine’s Day, 1966.
Carolyn and Arthur raised their family in Lapeer, Michigan until moving to Vero Beach, Florida on Thanksgiving Day, 1979. Carolyn was a devout Catholic and dedicated member of St Helen’s Catholic Women’s Club where she held several offices over many years. She graciously gave countless hours of her time to various charitable causes and Catholic organizations, and was particularly dedicated to supporting a scholarship program for students who wanted to attend Catholic school.
In her leisure time with family, Carolyn enjoyed playing cards and board games. She was competitive, highly intelligent, and was always going to beat you at Trivial Pursuit, no contest. Carolyn loved music and was a talented pianist who often played for the enjoyment of others. She was always excited to attend the excellent choral and orchestra concerts at Vero Beach High School where her grandchildren, a great source of her joy and pride, excelled in these activities.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Arthur, her daughter Judy (Pisello), her parents, her brother James, and sisters Jean, Mary Ann and Dorothy. Carolyn had 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
The family will be holding a private memorial ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be sent to St. Helen Catholic School Annual Fund, 2085 Tallahassee Ave., PO Box 2927, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Nancy Frederick Gollnick, 71, Vero Beach
September 22, 1951 – July 30, 2023
Nancy Frederick Gollnick, 71, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Vero Beach, Florida. Nancy was born on September 22, 1951 in Beaver Falls, PA and moved to Vero Beach from Lombard, Illinois in 1958.
She was a graduate of Indian River State College and received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Barry University.
Former owner of Westside Racquet Club, Nancy was an avid tennis player and enjoyed coordinating events for the members of the club. Looking for a new career, Nancy began working for the Dodgers on April 1, 1990, as Executive Assistant to Craig Callan, V.P. of Dodgertown until she retired on June 1, 2022. (She always said she didn’t know who the April fool’s joke was on, her or the Dodgers). During her tenure she ran the LA Dodgers Adult Baseball Camp here at what is now known as the Jackie Robinson Training Complex and has remained friends and in touch with many of the campers.
Nancy was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church.
Since 2001, she was a member of the National Exchange Club where she was heavily involved in the prevention of child abuse and held the following titles: Florida District Exchange Club President, Florida District Director (Region 9, Division 2), District Convention Coordinator, District Newsletter Editor, Past Club President, Secretary and Newsletter Editor of the Exchange Club of Indian River. Nancy was recognized as a leader of Exchange and was the recipient of many awards including the Distinguished District President, Star District President, Outstanding District Director, and two times Exchangite of the Year. Over the years, Nancy served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and was an affiliate of the Treasure Coast Human Resource Association. She was also a member of Phi Beta Psi Sorority promoting cancer research.
Nancy led an adventurous life, skiing, playing golf, tennis, boating and enjoyed traveling. She was a devoted friend to so many as she was kind, thoughtful, a good listener, showed attention to detail and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Survivors include: Sister, Barbara Parent (Richard); Brothers, Don Frederick (Donna) Steve Frederick (Jenny); Son, Camron Gollnick; Daughter, Lindsey Gollnick Spears, Grandchildren; Dustin, Kelly and Jason Spears; Great Grandson, Roman Spears; Uncle, Wayne Kistler; Aunts, Karen Egan, Brenda Kistler and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by Dad & Mother; George and Joline Frederick; Grandparents, Edward and Irma Kistler; Uncles, Don Kistler, Paul Kistler, J.B. Egan III.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Helen Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in her name to the Exchange Club of Indian River Foundation, P.O. Box 93, Vero Beach 32961.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Elaine Ruth Collier, 95, Vero Beach
October 13, 1927 – August 04, 2023
Elaine Ruth Collier, age 95, passed away August 4, 2023 at her home in Vero Beach.
She was born October 13, 1927 in Williamson, New York to the late Michael and Mary Jane Faas. She moved to Vero Beach, Florida from Farmington, Connecticut in 1957.
Ms. Collier was a member of Pathway Church.
Survivors include her children, Alesia (Joseph) Williams, Brian (Tyna) Collier, Sandy Davis, Jeffrey Collier; grandchildren, Allison Herndon, Joseph (Jodi) Williams, Tara (Chris) Henderson, Megan (John) King, Kevin Davis, Christopher Davis, Holly (Joshua) Wood, David Collier, Christina and her three children; great-grandchildren, Marcus Herndon, Caleb Herndon, Jason West, Trey Williams, Kirra Henderson, Braden Henderson, Logan Henderson, Jackson King, Liam King, Josiah Wood, Avery Wood, Ellie Wood, Caitlin and her daughter; sisters, Marvel Crocka, Diane (Barry) Averbach, and Phyllis Clark; sister-in-law, Carol Faas and brother-in-law, Edward Lasky.
She was predeceased by her husband, Lester C. Collier; son, David F. Collier; siblings, Paul Faas, Philip Faas, Dale Faas, Ronnie Faas, and Nada Lasky.
A Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 11, 2023 at Pathway Church, 1105 58th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32966. The family will be present to greet friends prior to the service.
Inurnemnt will be private at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
