From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Janet Virginia Hicks McCoy, 87, Vero Beach
April 19, 1938 – April 23, 2025
Janet Virginia Hicks McCoy of Vero Beach, FL, Osterville and Boston, MA passed away peacefully on the evening of April 23rd, 2025 in her John’s Island home in Vero Beach, Florida.
Affectionately known as Jan to her friends and Mimi to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was born in Denver, Colorado on April 19th, 1938, the only child of parents Robert and Virginia Hicks. After spending her childhood years in Colorado, she moved with her family to Chappaqua, NY at age 16 where she was surprised to find that “no one else wore Levi’s”. Here she met the love of her life, Richard “Ricky” Patrick McCoy. They were married on April 30th, 1960 and began a long and wonderful life together.
Rick preceded Jan in death on October 24th, 2023 after 63 years of grand adventures. The true matriarch of the McCoy clan, Jan spent her whole life caring for her family.
She is survived by her son Timothy Hicks McCoy, his wife Kimberly (Dobson) McCoy of Weston, MA, their five children Charlotte McCoy, Elisabeth “Ellie” McCoy, Richard “Patrick” McCoy II, Spencer Dobson and William Dobson; Her daughter Tracey McCoy Elliott, her husband Eric Drugge of Bluffton, SC, and her three children, Robert Cleary, Christopher Cleary and Alexandra (Cleary) Pouso and her husband John Pouso; Her great grandchildren Emmett James Pouso and Carter Virginia Pouso. And her faithful four-legged friend, Biscuit. Her world revolved around her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and her capacity to nurture all of them was inspiring.
She was also known for her love of playing bridge and golf, reading, cooking, and gardening – hobbies that she not only excelled at individually, but also used to connect with others, touching countless friends and family members in her communities of John’s Island Vero Beach, FL and the Wianno Club Cape Cod, MA.
Jan enjoyed an extremely full and active social life, and was loved by family and friends for her humor and generosity. She was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church who was lovingly embraced by her church community. Jan was proud of her philanthropic work with the Boys and Girls Club where she provided instruction in etiquette and her earlier involvement in the Junior League and the Vincent Club.
She is blessed to have been called to heaven just days after spending Easter and her 87th birthday with her family and many of her friends.
Jan will be remembered for her strong will, quick (and sometimes cutting) wit, impeccable style and natural ability to host a dinner party. She lived her life without limits and embraced every opportunity to have fun. She will be missed dearly, which is to say that she was loved immensely.
A private family graveside service will be held in the John’s Island cemetery where she will join her beloved Ricky.
A reception to celebrate Jan will take place at the John’s Island Club on May 10th at 3:00pm and is open to all.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the VNA Hospice House Vero Beach, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960 in memory of Janet McCoy.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JANET VIRGINIA McCOY, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Rene George VanDeVoorde, II, 79, Vero Beach
April 20, 1945 – April 16, 2025
Rene George VanDeVoorde, II, 79, passed away April 16, 2025, at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach with his loving family by his side.
Born in Nebraska, Rene grew up at various US Army bases across the country, and graduated from Galesburg-Augusta High School near Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University for one year before transferring to the University of Florida, eventually becoming a “double Gator” and residing in Florida for the rest of his life. While at the University of Florida, he met his first wife, Karen, whom he married in 1969 and spent 45 years of happy marriage with until her death in 2014.
He began his career as a high school history teacher, and taught US History in both Miami and Melbourne, Florida, but returned to the University of Florida to attend law school. After graduating in 1973 with his Juris Doctorate, Rene’ and Karen relocated to Sebastian and he worked for the Vero Beach law firm of Collins Brown, opening the first private law office in Sebastian in 1974 and later becoming a partner at that law firm. He opened his own solo law practice in Sebastian in 1980, and worked with and mentored many young attorneys over the years. In 2012, he closed his solo practice and opened a new law firm with his daughter Cynthia, VanDeVoorde Hall Law PL, which he retired from in 2017.
As a resident of the Sebastian River area for more than 50 years, Rene’ was involved in numerous community organizations. Throughout his legal career, he was active in the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Board and as an officer several times, and during his first term as President, he helped form the Sebastian River Chamber of Commerce Foundation and facilitated the building of the first chamber building in Sebastian, Rene’ managed the open gym at Sebastian River Middle Junior High School for North Indian River County Recreation, and played pickup basketball three nights a week for many years. One of his proudest achievements was being selected as Sebastian’s Man of the Year in 1999. Rene was one of three founding members of the Sebastian Exchange Club, served as its President several times, was District Director, and he met his second wife, Ellen Smith, at a Sebastian Exchange Club meeting, who he married in 2018. He was the first “Voice of the Sharks” for Sebastian River High School, announcing the football games at Shark Stadium from their first home game for 20 years. Throughout the years, he also served as President of the Indian River County Bar Association, the Sebastian Lions Club, North Indian River County Recreation Inc., Sebastian Little League, and the Sebastian River High School Booster Club.
Rene’ also served on the community advisory board of Sebastian River Medical Center for many years, with the Board of the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation, the Sebastian River Area Historical Society, and was active in the Sons of the American Legion Squad 189 and the Knights of Columbus, St. Sebastian Council #8009. After his retirement, Rene’ would often be seen riding his golf cart, smoking a cigar , picking up litter, and waiving to drivers along Roseland Road. Rene loved traveling around the country with Ellen, and especially loved seeing shows and concerts in Las Vegas.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Karen VanDeVoorde, his parents, his brother Michael White, and nephew Bill Cassidy.
Survivors include his wife, Ellen Smith; son, Dr. René G. VanDeVoorde III (Nicole); daughters, Cynthia VanDeVoorde Hall (Martin), and Rachel VanDeVoorde Powell (Steven); grandchildren: Julianna, Eleanor, Oliver, William, Jack, and Emma; sister Stephanie Cassidy (Bill); sister Judy Bynum; niece Anne; nephews Adam and Michael, and stepsons Lawrence Smith, Jr.(Amy), Christopher Smith, and stepgrandchildren Megan and Ryan.
His Funeral Mass will be on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 3pm at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 13075 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958 with a reception in LeSage Hall at St. Sebastian immediately after.
Memorial donations may be made to the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County, Inc., VanDeVoorde Family Scholarship Award, P.O. Box 1820, Vero Beach, FL 32961 or the Sons of the American Legion Squad 189.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of RENE GEORGE VANDEVOORDE, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Shelby H. Perkins, 91, Florida
September 20, 1933 – April 29, 2025
Shelby H. Perkins, 91, passed away peacefully in Vero Beach on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025. Born on September 20th, 1933, in London, Kentucky to Willis Granville Hackney and Madge Elizabeth Hackney, she was the eldest of five. Shelby lived a life embodying grace, kindness, and joy.
As a child, Shelby and her family called many places home. In time, Shelby found herself back in Kentucky where she attended Margaret Hall boarding school in Versailles, KY. She later attended The University of Kentucky. Shelby went on to marry the love of her life, Louis “Perk” Perkins in 1952, and they were married for 72 wonderful years.
In 1971, Shelby and Perk moved to Florida with their children where they established Perkins Drugstore and later, Perkins Medical Supply. Shelby was a devoted member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, the Vero Beach Country Club, and other local organizations. She was very well known and loved in her community.
Shelby lived life to the fullest. She loved traveling and time spent outdoors. She and Perk traveled to many different places together: hunting excursions out west, Norway, and trips to Keenland racetrack were a few of her favorite adventures. When she was not traveling, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
Her life was undoubtedly full, but it was also simply beautiful. Shelby held family as her number one priority in life. She was one to find abundant joy in life’s simple moments. These moments included spending time with family at the beach house, hosting cookie decorating with her grandchildren every Christmas, playing a family scrabble game, or spending a quiet afternoon with a good quilt and a new book or crossword.
Shelby loved gathering with others. She always made sure everyone felt welcomed and loved. Her warm smile brightened every room, reflecting her gracious nature and southern charm. She always appreciated a sense of humor. She had a heart of gold and upheld a positive outlook on life, never complaining, even in her final days.
Shelby is survived by her sister Helen Pope (Jim); children Richard Perkins, Mary (Greg) Decrescenzo, Edwin (Diana) Perkins; grandchildren Katherine (Jason) Lazarus, Lisa (Mark) Moore, Andrea Decrescenzo, Sarah Rhoady, Lilly (Johnny) Herman, Varvara Perkins; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis Perkins, her grandson John Louis Perkins, and her siblings Richard Hackney, Edwin Hackney, and Harriet McClain.
Shelby left behind a legacy emphasizing the importance of caring for others, loving unconditionally, and maintaining a strong faith. Her legacy will live on through her beloved family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church on Friday, May 9th, 2025, at 12:00 PM followed by a reception at Vero Beach Country Club at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of SHELBY H. PERKINS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Dr. Robert J. LaPenna, 89
January 23, 1936 – May 3, 2025
Dr. Robert J. LaPenna, a respected educational leader, proud Italian-American, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, public service, and unwavering faith.
A native son of Pennsylvania, born to Nicholas LaPenna and Lucia Silvestri LaPenna, Dr. LaPenna earned multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s from Penn State University, a second Master’s and a Ph.D. from Lehigh University. His extraordinary career in education began at a young age and quickly soared. He served as the Superintendent of Schools in Erie, PA, making history as one of the youngest ever to hold the position. His visionary leadership took him to national assignments, including impactful work in Washington, D.C. with the Ford Foundation and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Later, he served as Superintendent of Somerset County Technical Institute, Dean of Northampton Community College, mentoring countless students and faculty along the way.
After a distinguished career, Dr. LaPenna retired to sunny Florida with his beloved wife, Dr. Beverly Fuller-LaPenna, where they led a vibrant and engaged life. A man of deep faith, “Dr. Bob” was a regular lecturer at Saint Sebastian Catholic Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church, where his passion for theology and education found a spiritual home.
He had a great love of dogs—particularly Schnauzers, which he and his wife raised, trained, and showed at championship level. In his later years, he was frequently seen in the company of his beloved Giant Schnauzer, Ellie, a faithful and constant companion.
Dr. LaPenna cherished his Italian heritage and remained closely connected to his Pennsylvania roots.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Beverly Fuller-LaPenna, his sons Nicholas LaPenna and Michael LaPenna, (wife Michelle), two granddaughters. He is also survived by his loving sister, Philomena “Mae” Baratta, along with many nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at Saint Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL with details to follow.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of DR. ROBERT JOSEPH LaPENNA, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Beverly Ann Riney Cambron, 89
August 8, 1935 – May 1, 2025
Beverly Ann Riney Cambron passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love on May 1, 2025 following an extended journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Until the very end, Beverly maintained her love of family and friends, sense of humor, and appreciation for a long, well-lived life. In her almost 90 years with us, she lived her life to its fullest with her family and faith at the forefront.
Beverly was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Charles Robert Cambron, and her eldest daughter, Cynthia Cambron Thorne (Michael). Beverly is survived by her three daughters: Robbin Lynch (Richard), Kelly Cambron Fretwell (Bruce), and Karen Kelly (Scott). She was a loving Nana to her nine grandchildren: Kathryn Conley, Laura Morrow, Connor Thorne, Richard Lynch, Jr., Robert Lynch, Annie Fretwell, Bella Fretwell, Scott Kelly, and Cambron Kelly. Beverly was also great grandmother to Liam, Lillian, Charles, Abigail, Campbell, Layla, Asher, and Isla.
Beverly was born on August 8, 1935 in Owensboro, Kentucky. She was the ninth of ten children born to Frances Guerdon Riney and Mabel Ann Kelly Riney. Beverly had a calling to help people, and graduated from Nazareth School of Nursing. While in nursing school, she worked at the St. Joseph Infirmary, where she met the love of her life, Bob Cambron, in the hospital chapel.
Beverly and Bob married on June 15, 1957 at St Alphonsus Catholic Church in Owensboro. The couple then lived in Louisville, Kentucky, where Bob finished his medical residency, and Beverly worked as an operating room nurse. While in Louisville, they welcomed daughters Cynthia and Robbin. They then moved from Louisville to Fort Pierce, Florida, and they welcomed daughters Kelly and Karen. The family lived in Fairmont Manor, a historic home on the Indian River where Beverly was the ultimate hostess. Throughout her life she hosted many parties where she gathered friends and family together. Some of the highlights included Kentucky Derby parties. Beverly was the life of every party, and lit up the room with her infectious smile and the hospitality she showed to all.
While Beverly cherished her time as a nurse, she also excelled in other careers. She owned The Bikini Racket, a tennis and swim shop in downtown Fort Pierce, and built a career selling real estate leading to her opening of Cambron Properties with daughter, Cindy. She continued selling real estate until her retirement in 2023.
Beverly was proud of her Irish Catholic heritage. She was a devout Catholic, and was heavily involved with various catholic churches throughout her life, never missing the daily 8:00 AM mass. Beverly could always be found at the 8:00am Mass at Holy Cross. She was a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Cross Catholic Church for the last 20 plus years. She also spent time as the President of the Holy Cross Women’s Guild.
Beverly had a deep love for travel and shared many adventures around the world with Bob, their daughters, and grandchildren. She was an avid skier, both on water and snow, and embraced every opportunity for fun. Beverly and Bob began spending their summers and falls in Highlands, NC, where they made their home at the Cullasaja Club. Their days there were filled with golf, tennis, and taking in the beautiful mountain views. Beverly cherished time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether roller skating, swimming, shopping, or simply enjoying the moment, she was always up for fun. She and Bob often hosted a grandchild or two each summer in Highlands, NC, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Beverly was a remarkable woman whose kindness and spirit touched everyone around her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the VNA Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish Center in Vero Beach, Florida. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:15am at Holy Cross Catholic Church Parish Center.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of BEVERLY ANN CAMBRON, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
