Obituaries: May 15, 2014

DONALD E. ANDERSON, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Grace Rehabilitation Center of Vero Beach. Don was born in Zelzah, CA. (now Northridge) in LA County and has been a resident of Vero Beach for 17 years coming from Summit, NJ. He was the youngest and last surviving child of Pastor Albert and Viola Anderson’s 6 children. His Dad and Mom were missionaries at a Lutheran school in China for many years, where most of their children were born and spent early childhood.

On returning to the US in 1928, Pastor Anderson established Lutheran mission congregations in the San Fernando Valley and established a dairy to provide work and food for his parishioners during the Depression. In 1940, Pastor Anderson returned to China at the request of the church to check on the school where they had been, and the associated church and seminary. There was concern due to the imminent war. He was caught behind enemy lines and was unable to return to the US until 1945 just in time to ensure that his youngest son got properly enrolled at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. It was there where the family had lived in a mission cottage while he was away in China. Within a year of his return Pastor Anderson died knowing that all his children had had the opportunity to attend college and could become contributing members of society…which they did.

Following graduation from St. Olaf College, Don went to Luther Seminary. While he graduated, he was never ordained. Rather electing to dedicate himself to immigration and refugee resettlement work in the US and abroad mostly in connection with Lutheran Congregations in the United States, who have very successfully resettled many from Eastern Europe, Hong Kong, East Africa, Latin America and IndoChina over the years.
As specific refugee movements ebbed and flowed, Don spent interim years as Asst. Director of the Lutheran Student Foundation at the U. of Minnesota and as Alumni Director at St. Olaf College.

Don was Director of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service from 1963 until 1976, when he retired. During this time he provided significant leadership in the intergovernmental agency world, Sparticularly during the Ugandan and Vietnamese Refugee movements. Don was always an active community member and very civic minded. He especially enjoyed providing leadership and support for the many activities in which his sons were involved, particularly managing and programming large swim meets.

He is survived by his wife, Anne, of 48 years and his son Albert (Suzanne and the twins, Lindsey and Sumner) and his son Sumner (Renee, Stella and Abigail) A Memorial Service will be held at The Community Church of Vero Beach on Monday, May 19 at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Rotary Club of Vero Beach P.O. Box 2013 Vero Beach, FL 32961 http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)

JOHN ORRIN CARMAN, 90, of Vero Beach passed away Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach. John was born in Athens, Pennsylvania to the late Charles and Thelma (nee Schupp) Carman.

Upon graduating from Athens High he went to work for ALCO in Auburn, New York. He began attending Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering, and his graduation was advanced due to the outbreak of WW II. As a Lieutenant, John was assigned to the USS George Elliott and later assigned to the USS Renate. When he was released from duty he returned to work for ALCO. While at ALCO the Korean War began and he was recalled to active duty for the Navy. Upon being released a second time he returned again to ALCO.
He eventually retired from ALCO and retired to Vero Beach with the love of his life, Liz. John had attended Asbury United Methodist Church in Vero Beach and continued to enjoy golfing and bowling as long as his health permitted.

Survivors include his wife Liz Carman of Vero Beach, daughter Cheryl (Thomas) Articola of Latham, New York, step-daughter Donna (Doug) Finner of Alexandria, New Hampshire, granddaughters Christy Articola of Lakewood, Colorado and Rebecca Finner of Fairbanks, Alaska and a grandson Sean Finner of China Lake, California. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother Robert Stanley Carman and a sister Marion Salter.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Way of Indian River County, 601 21st Street, Ste. 310, Vero Beach, FL 32961 or the Indian River Medical Center Foundation, 1000 36th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 The family will receive friends 10 – 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 8, 2014 with a funeral service beginning at 10:30 AM, Rev. John Kerry of Asbury United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will military honors will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)

PATRICIA WHITE CONNOLLY, died happily at her home on May 8, 2014. A woman of incredible strength, determination and love, she will be missed by many. Born on April 26, 1929 in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Henry A. and Margaret T. White, Pat was a 3rd generation “Islander”. Her love for The Islands never waved and while she lived other places, she always considered them “Home”.

She was a graduate of The Knox School in Cooperstown, New York and Finch Junior College in New York City. After college, she returned to The Islands and opened a gift shop with her sister, Barbara, in the famed Royal Hawaiian Hotel.Pat moved to Florida in 1956, first living in beautiful Winter Park, then Winter Haven, and she finally made it “back to the ocean” in 1976 when she moved to Vero Beach. She was an active member in the St. Edward’s School Parents Association in the early years, a “Pink Lady” at IRMH for years, and then back into retail, where she worked at The Baggy Bunny Gift Shop as a devoted employee for 25 yeas.

She is survived by her two daughters, Margaret C. Fisher of Columbus, Ohio and Lauren W. Connolly of Vero Beach, FL. Also, by two grandsons, J. Trevor and Andrew S. Fisher; a sister Barbara W. Atkin of Stockbridge, MA; and 4 nieces. A Funeral Mass will be held 10 am, Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach. Those wishing to remember Pat may donate to The Volunteer Ambulance Squad, P. O. Box 2240, Vero Beach, FL 32961. An online guestbook may be signed at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (5/15/14)

BARBARA ANN CHAPIN, 71, of Vero Beach, died May 2, 2014 at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach. Barbara was born in Springfield, MA and lived in Vero Beach for 20 years coming from Boston, MA. She was raised in Longmeadow, MA where she attended school and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Barbara was a Field Engineering Administrator for IBM where she spent her entire career until her retirement in 1995. She was very active in civic affairs, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and was a past board member of the Moorings Club. Barabra loved scuba diving in Virgin Gorda; summers at Groton Long Point, CT; books, needle point and golfing at the Moorings Club.

Survivors include her brother, Robert Chapin of South Dartmouth, MA; sisters, Carolyn Snyder of Wilbraham, MA and Joan Luck of Nellysford, VA and many nieces and nephews. A private service will be held at a later date in Springfield, MA. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)

MARION P. DAIR, 82, of Vero Beach, FL died Friday, May 9, 2014 at her home. She was born September 29, 1931 in New York, NY and had been a resident of Vero Beach for 28 years. Mrs. Dair fulfilled her lifelong dream and graduated from Indian River Community College at the age of 60 with an Associate of Arts degree. She later learned to play piano and found her love of art and painting while celebrating her 70s. She was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach.

She is survived by her children, Linda Dair, Ginger Taylor, John Dair, Jr. and Bill Dair; grandchildren, Luke and Alicia Dair; nephew, Michael Spalding and niece, Christine Spalding. Mrs. Dair was predeceased by her husband, John Dair in 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12 noon, Friday, May 16, 2014 at St. Helen Catholic Church followed by an inurnment at Sebastian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County or Save the Manatee Club.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook may be signed at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (5/15/14)

MARGARET “PEGGY’ DURNI, 81 of Vero Beach, FL passed away on Monday, May 5, 2014 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL. She was born in Buffalo, NY and had been a resident of Vero Beach for four years, coming from Hamburg, NY. She is survived by her mother Margaret M. Peters of Vero Beach, FL; her children, Raymond (Tanya) Durni of Pittsburg, PA; Joanne (Tim) Turnwall of Hamburg, NY, David Durni of Vero Beach, FL, Lisa Fahrenholz of Penfield, NY, and six grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father Aloysius J. Peters and husband Paul A. Durni.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00pm on Friday, May 16, 2014 at St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church, 5930 S. Abbott Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127. The family will host a luncheon immediately following at Brierwood Country Club. Interment will take place at Saint’s Peter & Paul Cemetery in Hamburg, NY.Memorial contributions may be made to: VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32690 Online condolences may be expressed at: http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (5/15/14)

MARGARET ELLEN HART, 61, of Vero Beach, Florida, died Friday, May 9, 2014 at VNA Hospice House. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine Hart, both of Vero Beach. No services have been planned at this time. http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (5/15/14)

JOHN B. (BABS) HUDSON, 89, died at home on May 5, 2014. Babs was born in the family home in Blue Ridge, Georgia, on July 9, 1924, graduating from Blue Ridge High School at age 16. After receiving his Associates Degree from North Georgia College and State University (now University of North Georgia) in 1943, he qualified for the Army Special Training Program and was stationed at the Citadel. The program was phased out and the entire unit was transferred to a combat infantry unit, serving in France and Germany. He was wounded on December 10, 1944, near the town of Bitche in the Lorraine region of France, recovered and returned to his unit for the duration. For his service he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge.

After the war he continued his education at the University of Georgia, receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1948. As a lifetime Georgia Bulldog, Babs took great pleasure whenever the Bulldogs beat the Gators. During the early stages of his career, he was employed by Hamilton National Bank in Chattanooga, E. I. du Pont de Nemours in Augusta, and Crawford and Company in Miami. He married Elisabeth Dennett in 1954. He and Betsy moved to Vero Beach 1957, where Babs joined his father-in-law as partner in Poinsettia Groves serving as president for many years until gradually retiring and turning over the reins to his son John B. (Jeb) Hudson Jr. Over the years he was president of the Florida Gift Fruit Shippers Association, the Vero Beach Country Club and served on the boards of Flagship Bank and Suntrust Bank in Vero Beach.

Babs was an outdoorsman through and through and loved hunting dove, quail and deer. He was also an avid golfer all his adult life and experienced several golfer’s lifetime dreams by playing The Old Course at St Andrews, being a Masters patron, most recently at age 83, and making two holes-in-one, the last at age 80. His idea of enjoyable post-round activity included spending a few hours in the clubhouse card room playing gin rummy. No doubt that from his new position, he will watch over his old buddies to ensure scorekeeping accuracy.

He is survived by his beloved Betsy, wife of 59 years, his son Jeb (Cindy) and grandchildren Cody, Sam, Jack, Riley, Ethan, Bailey and Ava – his daughter Pam (Ken) Hendrix and grandsons Cooper and Sawyer. He was predeceased by his brother R.G. Hudson.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The University of North Georgia, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, Ga. 30597 http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)

LINDA FAYE KERSEY, 64, of Vero Beach, Florida, died Tuesday, April 29 at VNA Hospice House. She was born September 23, 1949 in Columbus, Georgia. She is survived by her son, T.J. Patterson of Vero Beach; 3 sisters, Elease Deyoung of Sebring, FL, Minnie Singletary of Cocoa, FL and Sharon Bracci of Vero Beach; brother, Johnny Farmer of Pamplico, SC and 2 grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband John Whiteside, daughter, Theresa Patterson, parents, George and Sallie Rairden and 2 brothers, TC and Bobby Farmer. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 8th, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Central Assembly of God with Pastor Buddy Tipton officiating. http://www.lowtherfuneralhome.com (5/15/14)

MARY ELLEN LATHIM, 78, of Vero Beach, FL passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, FL. Mary Ellen was born in Armington, Ill on October 29, 1935. She was the daughter of Homer Hickey and Vera Mae Hutson. She moved from Armington to Vero Beach in 1968. She was a charter member of Vero Christian Church. She loved to sing in the choir and she loved her Lord and family. She worked at the Indian River Medical Center for over 20 years as a medical transcriptionist. Mary Ellen is predeceased by her husband of almost 50 years, Paul Lathim and her sister, Cheryl Johnson. She is survived by 3 daughters; Lou Ann Bellis (Robert), Paula Cina (John) and Laura Binns (Peter), a son; Darren Lathim; 2 brothers, John and Dave Hickey; and 6 grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014, at 10 AM at Vero Christian Church, 3250 9th St SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968.The family suggests that donations be made to the Vero Christian Church Building fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL. Please share condolences atwww.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (5/15/14)

LAMBERT “WHITEY” OBERG, 86, passed away quietly May 7, 2014 at the Somerset House in Vero Beach, FL. Beloved husband for 62 years of the late Jean Oberg, Whitey was born in Hartford CT, and lived in Vero Beach for 20 years, moving from West Hartford. Whitey was a 1946 graduate of Hartford Public High School and then served in the U.S. Army before attending Trinity College in Hartford. He received a BA in History from Trinity where he was a member of the DKE house, Captain of the football team, a Little All-American center/linebacker and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After a short stint with The Firestone Tire Corp, Whitey joined IBM where he spent his entire career as a Marketing-Sales executive, running a number of large offices across the nation ending with the Hartford, CT office. Whitey had many friends around the country and was a mentor to a large group of successful IBM employees His main passions were golf- a long time member of both the Hartford and Grand Harbor Golf Clubs-and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Karen Oberg of Weston, MA, Curt and Sherri Oberg of Wellesley, MA and Keith and Leeny Oberg of Bethesda, MD as well as eight grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to The Trinity College Fund, Trinity Commons 300 Summit Street Hartford, CT. 06106 A Celebration of his Life will be held later in the spring in West Hartford, CT. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)

ELLIS PINDER, 82, of Vero Beach, Florida, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. He was born in Miami, FL in 1931 and lived there until 1976, when he moved to Vero Beach. Ellis was prolific in the bowling industry, and in particular, junior bowling. During his career, he served as president of a number of junior bowling organizations, including the Greater Miami Bowling Council, American Junior Bowling Congress, the Florida State Bowling Council, and Florida State Junior Bowling Association. He formed the Junior Orange Bowl Bowling Tournament and served for 30 years as a member of the Junior Orange Bowl Committee. He was instrumental in having bowling recognized as a varsity sport by the Florida State High School Activities Association. He was the first inductee into the Florida State Junior Bowling Association Hall of Fame.

Ellis was District Manager for Fair Lanes, Inc. in Miami, FL; General Manager of Sabal Palm Bowl for 20 yrs. in Vero Beach, FL; and Director of Operations for Bishai Enterprises, which operated ten bowling centers in the Southeastern United States.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Pinder, of Vero Beach, FL; son Ellis “Bud” Pinder, daughter-in-law Jill Pinder, and granddaughters Lauren and Natalie Pinder, all of Davie, FL. A private memorial service and reception will be held for family members. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)

MADELINE PROFETA, 86, was born August 15, 1927 in Bronx, New York and died May 9, 2014 at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach.
In 1947, she married Ralph A. Profeta of Huntington, Long Island where they lived until moving to Vero Beach in 1956. Madeline was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, an avid bridge player, a frequent traveler, and a incredible cook (many remember her famous banana bread). She was generous and caring to everyone in her life. Madeline served as a pink lady at Indian River Memorial Hospital for many years, and retired as a caregiver working for the Senior Resource Association. She was a member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Vero Beach.

Madeline is survived by son Ralph Profeta and daughter-in-law Treva of Vero Beach, son Joe Profeta of Vero Beach, daughter Janine Kaminski and son-in-law Chris of Vero Beach, sister Gracie Barrie of Vero Beach, grandchildren Alissa Savetz, Angela Profeta, Tara Thomas, Lacey Profeta, Gina Mason, James Mason and Gary Paul Mason, and great-grandchild Pippa Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Profeta.

The family thanks all those who loved and cared for Madeline in her last years, including the Marshall family, Dr. Splendoria and Primary Care of the Treasure Coast. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday May 13, 2014 from 4-7PM at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach where a prayer service will be said at 6PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:00 PM on Wednesday May 14, 2014 St. Helen Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Ft. Pierce. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)

HARVEY ROSENBAUM passed after complications from a long illness. He lays finally in peace with his Maker. Harvey was a member of the Elks, past president of the Elks Club, founding director of Mega Bank, and a financial planner for 40 years. He loved fun, karoke, and donated his time to charitable fundraisers. He will be sadly missed. During life he shared the love and joy of his wife, Colleen, children, Heath, Brady, Josie, and Darryl Rosenbaum and step children, Alexis Polack and Kirsten Sequeira. He leaves six grandchildren , whom he adored, and one sister, Ronnie Rosenbaum. COX

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 16, 2014 at Temple Beth Shalom, 365 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32968. Inurnment will take place at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449, at a later date.Memorial contributions may be made to: DaVita Village Trust at hettp://www.tourdavita.org/donate/Alexis_Schafer-polack_4459/index.html. Arrangements are entrusted to Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences maybe expressed at: http://www.coxgiffordseawids.com (5/15/14)

DIANE HUFFMAN STORCH was born March 17, 1925 at the Hedge House in Scenery Hill, PA and died May 5, 2014 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL. She was a 1947 graduate of Pennsylvania State University in Commerce and Finance. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. In 1948, Diana married John H. Storch of State College, PA where they lived until moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1966 and then to Lighthouse Point, FL in 1968. While in State College, she owned a women’s clothing store and helped run the family automobile dealership from 1949-1966. In 1958, she earned her private pilots license. Diana was a realtor in Pompano Beach and Boca Raton for twenty five years. She was an avid bridge player until her final days. She was a longtime member of the Centre Hills Country Club in State College, PA and the Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club in Lighthouse Point, FL.

She is survived by her son Jay H. Storch and his wife Anne of Vero Beach, FL., a daughter Melinda Storch of Portland, OR, three grandchildren, Brad Farran, Kate Martz, Jacob Bandes-Storch and one great grandchild, Jack Martz. No memorial service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Fl 32960. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)

THERESA GENICE HARDEE (TURLINGTON), relocated to Heaven on May 8, 2014. Born in Indian River County on July 9, 1920, to Capt. Robert George and Clarissa Kitching Hardee, she was raised in her beloved Sebastian, Florida. She swam in the ocean and fished the river. She skated the sidewalks and danced with her friends. She married R.E. Turlington in 1938 and they raised four children together, Richard George, Edwin Hardee, Diane Genice and Gwenda Lynn (Turlington).

She leaves behind those children and many grand-children and great- grandchildren, as well as devoted family members and friends. She was preceded in death by many of her loved ones and they were there to welcome this kind, strong, beautiful soul into Heaven, which will now ring with her laughter and the lively rhythm of her piano playing!

Services: Visitation will be 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Sebastian Cemetery. http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. (5/15/14)