CAPTAIN DANIEL CHASE DENNISON, USN (Ret.), 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach on Thursday, June 26, 2014. Born on April 13, 1973 in Belleview, Iowa to John R. and Arlisle Dennison, he graduated “with distinction” from the US Naval Academy in 1955.

Sea duty included Fire Control Officer, USS Los Angeles (CA-135), XO USS Lucid (MSO-458), Weapons Officer USS Fiske (DD-842), XO USS Hugh Purvis (DD-709), Weapons Officer USS Newport News (CA-148) and CO USS Vesole (DD- 878). Shore duty included US Naval Postgraduate School, University of Iowa, Special Assistant to the Undersecretary of the Navy; special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower); Armed Forces Staff College; Force Operations Officer US Naval Forces Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal; Military Assistant, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Intelligence); and Staff Chief of Naval Education and Training. Due to health issues, he retired for disability in 1977. He has lived in Vero Beach since 1984 and was a member of Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club and Vero Beach Country Club.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Ann Fuller Dennison, formally of Sands Point, NY; daughter, Dr. Anne Dennison (Dr. Russell) Oakley of Spokane, WA; sons, Jonathan and Jeffrey of Wilmington, NC; brother, David Dennison of Vero Beach and two grandchildren, Merrill and Grant. He was predeceased by his wife, JoAnne Snead, mother of his children.

At the request of the family, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA and Hospice Foundation of Indian River County or the Humane Society of Indian River County. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (6/30/14)

 

ARTHUR DEGRAZIA, 83, of Vero Beach died June 25, 2014 at Florida Baptist Retirement Center, Vero Beach. Mr. DeGrazia was born in Central City, PA and lived in Vero Beach for 35 years coming from Waterford, MI. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean War and received the Purple Heart for his service. Mr. DeGrazia was a retired electrician. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was a member of First Church of God, Vero Beach. Mr. DeGrazia was a life time member of the National Rifle Association.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Eleanor De Grazia of Vero Beach; sons, Kenneth DeGrazia (Lori) and Ronald DeGrazia both of Vero Beach; daughter, Lori Shortness of Bolling Brook, IL; brothers, Frank DeGrazia of Castro Valley, CA and Louis DeGrazia of Iowa City, IA; sisters, Delphine Lampert of Oceanside, CA, Ann Johnson of Arrayo Grande, CA, Connie Koski of Santa Maria, CA and Carol Turner of Livermore, CA and 6 grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Baptist Retirement Center, 1006 33rd Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 in memory of Arthur DeGrazia. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Satruday June 28, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday June 29, 2014 at the First Church of God, Vero Beach with Rev Tom Bates officiating. Strunk Funeral Home (6/30/14)

 

JOHN C. GIGUERE SR., 77, of Vero Beach, died June 24, 2014 at his home in Vero Beach. John was born in Englewood, NJ and lived in Vero Beach for 25 years coming from Sterling, Pennsylvania. He was an Air Force veteran and a well known builder in the Vero Beach area. John was an avid golfer and amateur war historian.

Survivors include his wife, Alonda Giguere of Vero Beach; son, John C. Giguere, Jr. (Susan) of Jefferson Township, PA; daughter, Renee C. England (John) of Hellertown, PA; grandson, John Michael Giguere of Jefferson Township, PA; stepson, Scott Shipley of Vero Beach and stepdaughter, Kimberly Sheridan of Vero Beach. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the funeral home with Rev. John Kerry officiating. Strunk Funeral Home (6/30/14)

 

SAMUEL STONER GOLLADAY died on June 26, 2014 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida. He was born on June 13, 1944 to Thomas Raymond and Emma Lou Stoner Golladay in Woodstock, Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Diane and his two sons Brian (Patricia) and Jason (Angela) of Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren, James, Abigail, Anthony and Lilliana; and one brother, John Stoner Golladay (Joyce) of Sebastian, Florida. He is preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Lew Golladay.

Golladay was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from AT&T in 1998 after 32 years.

An inurnment will take place at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (6/30/14)

 

RICHARD P. (HOPPY) HOPKINS, 86, died June 25, 2014 at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian. He was born in Bronx, New York and lived in Sebastian for 21 years coming from his birthplace. Hoppy was a graduate of Ohio State University and was a US Army veteran of WWII. He retired from the New York State Insurance Bureau in 1993. He was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714, Sebastian, FL; American Legion Post 189, Sebastian, FL.

Survivors include his brother, Joseph Ventimigila of Patten, Maine; sister, Dorothy Collins, Massapequa, NY; nephews, Peter P. La Rosa and his wife Rene and Thomas Brady; niece, Alice La Rosa all of Sebastian, and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Marion, Joan, Betty & Alice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hoppy’s favorite charity in memory of his late nephew, The Anthony M. La Rosa memorial scholarship – S.R.H.S. – 124 Friar Court, Sebastian, FL 32958. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, June 30, 2014 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL. Interment will follow in Sebastian Cemetery. Strunk Funeral Home (6/30/14)

 

ABRAHAM “ABE” LEVINE, 96 and Winnie Jo Levine, age 84, were reunited on June 23, 2014 when Abe passed away peacefully at Grace Rehab Center. Abe was predeceased by his wife, Winnie Jo Levine, who passed in her sleep at home on April 16, 2014. Married for 54 years, they were inseparable and lovingly devoted to the other. They simply couldn’t live without each other!

Abe was a World War II veteran honorably discharged from the US Navy in September 1945 as a lieutenant commander. After graduating with Honors from UT-Chattanooga as a chemistry major, he and his uncle purchased the popular “Murray’s Grill” in Chattanooga. He later opened (and operated for many years until retirement) what became the famous college bar/restaurant known as “JoJo’s” on Brainerd Road which he had named after his wife. They moved to Vero Beach in 1986 where they made many friends around town, at Village Green and more recently at The Club.

Having a love of tennis, Abe began working for the City’s Recreation Department in July 1989 and could be found at the tennis courts at Riverside Racquet Complex, Leisure Square or the Vero Beach Community Center until late April of this year when he finally retired at age 96 after 25 years! JoJo also worked part-time for the City of Vero Beach and had been very active with Beta Sigma Phi since the early 60’s. She had many wonderful BSP sorority sisters that she considered her family.

Abe is survived by his daughter, Sharon LeVine, of Seattle, WA, a sister, Mickey Leventhal of Chattanooga, TN, a nephew, Dr. Marvin (Kris) Leventhal of Memphis, TN and a niece, Robin (Rob) Leventhal of Chattanooga, TN. They were also survived by many close and special friends in Vero, including but certainly not limited to JoJo’s BSP sisters, their goddaughter Cindy Cox and good friends, Gaby Dwyer, Barbara Gary and Clara Lou Lockwood.

Much thanks to their doctors (including but not limited to Drs. Hendley, Rosato and Shau) and all of the ladies at The Club for looking after them for the past few years and to Grace Rehab for the wonderful care and love they provided Abe over the last couple of months. At Abe and Jo’s request, no services will be held. Memorial contributions in their memory may be made to a charity of your choice, VNA/Hospice of the Treasure Coast or HALO Animal Rescue. Condolences may be left at http://www.lowtherfuneralhome.com. (6/30/14)

 

GLADYS ROSE LIEFFORT, Age 77 of Vero Beach, FL entered into Eternal Life with her Lord and Savior on June 23, 2014 with her loving family at her side. Gladys was born in Wisconsin on February 14th, 1937 to Agnes and Oscar Neuser. She entered into marriage with Berwyn (Bub) Lieffort in 1959 and was blessed with five children. Jim (Kathy) Lieffort, FL, Dave (Carol) Lieffort of Colfax, WI, her deceased Daughter , Martha Lieffort, Bob (Mary) Lieffort, FL and Michael Lieffort (special friend Kim) of FL. She is also survived by 6 loving Grandchildren, Sierra and Dan Lieffort (Mother, Darlene Lieffort) of FL., Meghan, Heidi and Hunter Lieffort of Colfax, Wi. and Madison (Mother, Laura) of FL.

She is also survived by 2 Sisters, Helen Scheuer and Agnes Baer of WI, her 2 Brothers, Chuck (Lois) Neuser , and Francis (Dolores) Neuser of WI and, her brother-in-law and wife, John and Elsa Lieffort of FL. She was pre-deceased by two Sisters and Brother-in-Laws, Margaret and Jim Kleiber and Marion and Lee Counard of WI and one Brother and Sister-in-law, Fr. Robert and Sandra Lieffort of Sebastian, FL. She is survived by 28 Nieces and Nephews and a deceased Niece, Lisa Jurek.

Gladys was an active member of St. Helen’s Parish in Vero Beach and it’s Rosary Group and appreciated all of her friends support and prayers. She and Bub are also members of St. Joseph’s Parish in Sturgeon Bay, WI. and the Rosary Group there. Gladys and Bub have a summer home in Sturgeon Bay, WI and have enjoyed many years there with wonderful neighbors and friends.

The Family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Helens in Vero Beach, FL or St. Joseph’s in Sturgeon Bay, WI. The family also wants to thank Hospice of Vero Beach and Dr. William McGarry. A Memorial Mass will be held 12 noon, Saturday, June 28, 2014 at St. Helen Catholic Church, Vero Beach. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph’s Parish at a later date. Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home (6/30//14)

 

RUTH MAE POWELL, 99, of Vero Beach, Florida, died Saturday, June 21 at Palm Garden of Vero Beach. Ruth was born May 17, 1915 in Holmes County, Florida to Jason Clayton and Anna Lee Kirkland Peterson. Ruth and her husband Daniel Rufus Powell moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1931. They were married for 52 years. She worked for the Indian River County School District, Rice’s Laundry and Indian River Associates Packing.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Daniel “Rufus” Powell and her sons; James “Edwin” Powell, Charles “Clayton” Powell and Ralph Allen Powell, her daughter, Verne Bartolucci, sister, Jewel Peterson Powell, one grandson and 8 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her son Robert “Daniel” Powell and daughter, Dorothy “Jean” Grenier grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great grandchildren.

A loving memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 2 PM at the Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home with Pastor, Larry Boan of Central Assembly of God, officiating. Lowther Funeral Home (6/30/14)

 

PHILIP PETER RUSSO, 77, passed away Monday, June 23, 2014 at Harbor Chase of Vero Beach. Philip was born in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Felice and Rose Russo. He attended Brooklyn College where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. He served as the Director of Personnel for both the Manhattan District and the North Atlantic Region of the Internal Revenue Service. He was a charter member of the Federal Senior Executive Service. Philip was also appointed as the Assistant Director of Personnel and Taxpayer Service. Upon retirement from Federal service, he was a Consultant to the National Academy of Public Administration, traveling to Europe, Egypt and Jamaica on various projects. Philip and his wife Susan moved to Vero Beach in 1996 where he became certified as a Master Gardener. He also served on the Tree and Beautification Committee for many years and was a past member of the Indian River Genealogy Society. Philip was an artist, loved to travel and self-published two books of historical fiction.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years Susan J. Trempe, daughters, Jeanne Russo Avila (Gregory) of Waterford, Virginia, and Rosanne Russo (Gregory Funkhouser) of Lake Ridge, Virginia, and three grandchildren Christopher, Stephanie and Darin. He was preceded in death by his brothers Anthony and Gerard Russo.

No services are planned locally at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, P.O. Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961. Strunk Funeral Home (6/30/14)

 

WILLIAM CORBIN STEPHENS, SR., of Vero Beach, went to Heaven on June 23, 2014. Known as “Bill,” he was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on August 11, 1946 to John and Beulah Stephens. He graduated from Jones College, June 23, 1977 with a Bachelors degree in business. He served in the United States Army. Bill had worked at Piper Aircraft for 32 years. He was a member of 20th Avenue Church of God.

Bill leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 48 years, Carole Stephens; his three children and their spouses, Kim and Bill Graham, Corbin and Cindy Stephens, Tina and Jon Durant; he had 9 wonderful grandchildren, Chandler, Tre, Alex, Mardoche, Tyler, Dallas, Jarrett, Abby, Xander; brothers John R. Stephens, Layne Stephens, John W. Stephens Jr. and his sister, Jean Haun.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers and sisters, Ralph Stephens, Rufus Stephens, Raymond Stephens, Bea Nonamaker, Edith (Nana) Williams, Yaudean Stephens, Wallace Stephens and Connie Morris.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 5 p.m. at 20th Avenue Church of God. 775 20th Avenue Vero Beach, Fl 32960 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to VNA Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Lowther Funeral Home (6/30/14)

 

MRS. CLEO ELIZABETH “BETTY” BRADLEY THOMPSON, 85, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach. Betty was born in Washington, DC to the late Kenneth and Elizabeth (nee Perry) Bradley and moved to Vero Beach in 1990 from Short Hills, New Jersey. She attended William and Mary College where she met her husband to be Thomas Wright Thompson, an outstanding athlete on the football team. Betty had been a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Vero Beach. She was an avid reader and enjoyed beach outings, but her greatest hobbies were doting on her grandchildren. 
Survivors include her daughters Gail Elizabeth Wilkinson of Aiken, South Carolina, Elizabeth B. Leveton of Vero Beach and Susan T. Riley of Tallahassee, grandchildren Kellie, Jacqueline, David, Katie, Emily, Ian, Ryan and Chris, great-grandchildren Colton and Lilly Grace, a sister Suzanne (Alan) Hardy of Dripping Springs, Texas, numerous nieces and nephews, and of course her faithful companion Ziggy.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Lt. JG Charles E. Hopper, who died during the Korean War serving his country, and her second husband Thomas Wright Thompson. Betty was also predeceased by a son Thomas W. Thompson, Jr., a brother Kenneth R. Bradley and a sister Nancy McCready.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960 or the Newport Club, 2536 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. A memorial service will take place in Richmond, Virginia in the fall. Strunk Funeral Home (6/30/14)