Obituaries: July 20, 2014

JOHN JOSEPH CUSSON passed away at his home on July 16, 2014 surrounded by family and loved ones at the age of 85.   He will be remembered for his gregarious personality, generous spirit, love of family and willingness to share wisdom candidly.   John was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on March 21, 1929 to Roosevelt and Marion Gearin Cusson. He was a graduate of Concord College and the Medical College of Virginia. His education was provided through the GI Bill in honor of his service in the US Navy. Highlights of his physical therapy career include acting as Chief of Physical Therapy at Mercy Hospital in Davenport, Iowa and Director of Easter Seal Center in Melbourne, Florida. He served as Chief of Physical Therapy at Indian River Memorial Hospital and later operated several physical therapy clinics before retiring.

John and Marion were married on December 29, 1954 in Orlando, Florida and have been residents of Vero Beach since 1972. It was there that they raised their five children and delighted in their time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was an avid golfer and was active in various fitness activities. Throughout his life, he encouraged family and friends to stay active, and his passion for a healthy lifestyle continued well into his later years.   In retirement, John and Marion enjoyed spending their summers at their home in Land Harbor, North Carolina.

Some of his volunteer activities included mentoring to youth through The Medical Explorers and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was Past President of the Sunrise Chapter of the Rotary Club.

He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Marion Judge Cusson, his five children Teresa Dohmen (Walter), John Bryan Cusson, Pamela Caine (Col. Scott), Jamie Moffatt (Scott), and Jeffrey Cusson (Kelly Musselwhite); his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also is survived by two brothers, William R. Cusson of Massachusetts and Paul R. Cusson of Connecticut, and two sisters Jean M. Foley of New Hampshire and Marilyn Ciullo of Illinois.

A celebration of John’s 85 full years of life will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 10:00am.   Friends and family are welcome to visit Monday, July 21, 2014 from 5-7pm at Strunk Funeral Home. A Prayer service will be held 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 21, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home.   In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Samaritan Center of Vero Beach, 3650 41st St, Vero Beach, FL 32967, in John’s honor. Strunk Funeral Home (7/20/14)

BARBARA BEACH FLEMMING, 82, passed away peacefully July 14, 2014 at her home in Vero Beach. She was born in Westfield, New Jesey and has lived in Vero Beach since 1961. Barbara was a Volunteer at the VNA Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop, Vero Beach, and volunteered at the Lagoon Greenway.

Survivors include her daughter Elizabeth Mangan (Michael) of Vero Beach, sisters Penney Barker (Will) and Susan Manson (Bill), four grand-children, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who all miss her greatly. She was preceded in death by husband Fred Flemming and son Robert D. Shofner.

Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or The Source, P.O. Box 2458, Vero Beach, FL 32961. Strunk Funeral Home (7/20/14)

GERALDINE “GERI” D’ACUNTO STAPLES passed away at the age of 66 on July 17, at the Sebastian Medical Center. A 17 year resident of Sebastian, Geri was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. She graduated with a cosmetology certificate from J.M. Wright Technical School in Stamford and opened her own salon, Geri’s Coiffures, at the age of 20. She successfully operated that business for 27 years until retiring to Florida. A loving presence to all who knew her, Geri was third in a family of 7 brothers and sisters. She was the keeper of all things family, and could be depended on to keep everyone abreast of the myriad goings on of a far flung group of siblings and their families.

To her three cherished grandchildren she was grandma, and the greatest pleasure of her last years were the many hours she spent caring for and enjoying them.

Geri is survived by her husband of 42 years, William Staples. She leaves behind her daughters Paige Newinski and Robyn Krajewski, son in law Todd Krajewski, grandsons Quintin Newinski, Ian Krajewski and granddaughter Emily Krajewski, all of Sebastian Florida. She is survived by brothers: Richard Carlo of Deep River, Connecticut; Joseph D’Acunto of Barefoot Bay, Florida; Phillip D’Acunto of Manchester, New Hampshire and sisters Patricia Hair of Port Charlotte, Florida; Jessica Bray of Lake Wales, Florida; and Betsy D’Acunto of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, FL. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 11:30 AM at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, FL with Father Dave Newhart, officiating. Interment will follow at Sebastian Cemetery, Sebastian, FL. Strunk Funeral Home (7/20/14)

ANNE C. GRAHAM, 95 of Vero Beach, formerly of Worchester, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 in Fort Pierce, FL. She is survived by two sons: Francis L. Graham (Joan) and Richard G. Graham (Linda), three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A gathering will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 from 2PM to 4PM. Inurnment will be held at a later time in Massachusetts. The family request that memorials be made to the American Heart Association at www.donate.heart.org Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home )7/20/14)

GEORGE MICHAEL WALSH, JR., 72, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away Monday, July 14, 2014 at the Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, Florida. George was born in Yonkers, New York and moved to Vero Beach in the early 80’s coming from Monroe, New York. He was a graduate of Nathaniel Hawthorne High School in Yonkers and John Jay College in New York City. George had been a police officer with the City of New York prior to his retirement. He was of the Catholic faith and a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the US Marine Corps.

George was a seriously AVID baseball fan. His passion and training as an umpire allowed him to umpire local high school games and serving as an umpire for the Dodger’s Spring Training Games and Florida Marlins during the umpire strike. He was a member of the VFW in New York and played trumpet in many local bands. George enjoyed going to the Polish American Club where he loved to dance.

Survivors include daughters Kelly Gugliemo and her husband Jimmy of Montgomery, New York, Kathy Cancel and her husband Pat of Middletown, New York, sons Tim Walsh and his wife India of Rockhill, New York, Matt Walsh of Guilderland, New York, grandsons Ryan Walsh of Guilderland, New York and Cody Walsh and Hawk Walsh of Rockhill, New York, granddaughter Kloud Walsh of Rockhill, New York, brothers Michael Walsh and his wife Nancy of Texas, John Walsh and his wife Marguerite of New York , sisters Helen Piemonte of Florida, Kathy Adolph and her husband Tom of Florida, Patty Duck and her husband Tom of California, Peggy Williams and her husband Mike of Florida, and Mary Evans and her husband Mike of New York. He was preceded in death by his sister Virginia Ruff of Georgia.

The family will receive friends 1-3 PM, Sunday, July 20, 2014 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with military honors and a prayer service at 3 PM. Strunk Funeral Home (7/20/14)

ROBERT EARLWILCOX, 78, of Vero Beach, Florida died July 18, 2014 at his home. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach, at a later date. Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home (7/20/14)

PAUL NICHOLAS WYHER, Born in Rome, New York on October 10, 1909 to George Nicholas Wyher and Sarah Jane Pickerell Wyher. They were missionaries to Africa. Paul was a builder by trade, he married his wife, Peggy in April 1941. During WWII Paul was employed by Griffiss Air Force Base and was the recipient of an award for the invention of a spanner wrench. In 1984 Paul and Peggy made their home in Vero Beach. He was an avid tennis player evidenced by the fact that the tennis court at 7300 Village Green was named in his honor.

Paul was known by his friends for his great Christian Faith. Mr. Wyher passed into his Savior’s presence on Wednesday, July 16th.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Peggy, two daughters: Carole Sisco and Lorry Sutherland, and two sons: David Arthur, and Paul Christian, and preceded in death by a daughter, Judith Anne Marie.

A memorial service will be held on August 8th at the Cornerstone Church of Skippack, PA. Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home (7/20/14)