ELLEN ELIZABETH DEC CRUCE, 81, died October 5, 2014 at her home in Vero Beach. She was born in Tennessee and lived in Vero Beach for most of her life.She was a member of Central Assembly of God, Vero Beach.
Survivors include sons Glenn McLaughlin of Vero Beach and Joseph Jeahrome Cruce (Robin) of Tennessee, daughters Roxy Tice of Live Oak, Katherine Poppell of Melbourne, Rena Walton of Bell, Katrina Pacot of Melbourne, 18 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren, two sisters and two brothers. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph M. Cruce in 2006.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Assembly, Youth Programs, 6767 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32966 or any cancer research organization of your choice. Visitation will be held 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursday October 9, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. Funeral Services will follow at the funeral home chapel at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Winter Beach Cemetery. Strunk Funeral Home 10/15/14
ESTHER ALICE FLANAGAN, 95, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away October 8, 2014, at VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, FL. Esther was a native of Scranton, PA, and moved to Vero Beach, FL, 33 years ago from Yonkers, NY. Esther was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach, FL, and a former member of the Irish American Club.
Survivors include her two daughters, Patricia Mandell and Lynn Borlas both of Sebastian, FL and her son, James Flanagan of Upper Nyack, NY. Survivors also include her grandchildren, Matthew Flanagan and wife Cindy, Scott Flanagan, Christopher Borlas, Danielle Borlas, Sean Mandell and Justin Mandell, as well as one great-granddaugter, Melody Flanagan. Her husband of 65 years, James Flanagan, predeceased Esther in 2011.
Esther was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a selfless person, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She will be deeply missed. To quote a close family friend, “Esther was an angel on earth and is now one in heaven. She was one of the sweetest, kindest, most adorable women I have ever met…everyone who ever knew her loved her.”
A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at 2:00 PM, at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach, FL. The family request that donations be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the directions of the Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach, FL. A guest book may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (10/15/14)
WILLIAM FURPHY, 76, passed away October 13, 2014 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL. He was born in Bronx, NY and lived in Sebastian, FL coming from Haworth, NJ. William was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Local Union #28, NY; charter member of the Dumont Elks Lodge #2593, NJ; retired member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary; Knight of Columbus Council #8009.
Survivors include wife of 54 years, Joan M. Furphy of Sebastian, FL; sons, William Furphy Jr. (Esther) of New Bern, NC, John Furphy (Delia) of Las Vegas, NV, Andrew Furphy (Deborah) of Aberdeen, NJ, Daniel Furphy (Scott) of Fairlawn, NJ and Michael Furphy (Kelly) of Sebastian, FL; sister, Margaret Fitzgerald (John) of North Hollywood, CA; 8 Grandchildren; 4 Great-Grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 in memory of William Furphy. Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL. Interment will follow at Sebastian Cemetery, Sebastian, FL. Strunk Funeral Home (10/15/14)
PEGGY GENTILE, 70, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2014 in Vero Beach, FL. Peggy was born August 7th, 1944 in New York and moved to Vero Beach in 2004.
Peggy is survived by her sons, Michael, Vincent and Daniel as well as a daughter, Linda. Also surviving is her brother, Edward and sisters, Betty and Rita, and three grandchildren, Kelsie, James and Justin and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held in her hometown, Riverdale, NY. A guest book may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com (10/15/14)
KAREN E. LEONARD, 66, died October 13, 2014 at William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, FL. She was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Barefoot Bay, FL coming from Palm City, FL.She was a Customer Service Manager for Walmart for many years and attended St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL.
Survivors include her daughter, Jill Leonard of Vero Beach, FL; sons, Bo Leonard of Sebastian, FL, Kevin Leonard (Jill) of Matthews, NC; granddaughters, Jordan Fleishman, Brooke Fleishman, Morgan Leonard and grandsons, Cole Leonard, Austin Leonard and Shawn Leonard and an aunt, Betty Zaleski of Long Island, NY.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Friday, October 17, 2014 at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, FL. A Prayer Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday at the funeral home chapel. Strunk Funeral Home (10/15/14)
DOROTHY EMILY LYONS, 84, died October 9, 2014 at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian. She was born in Hackensack, New Jersey and lived in Sebastian coming from Scotch Plains, New Jersey in 1986. Dorothy retired as a bookkeeper for United Parcel Service. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, Sebastian, FL.
Survivors include her son Richard Joseph Lyons of Sebastian, brother Melvin McClatchy, Jr. of Jacksonville, sisters Gerri McClatchy and Melva Saiter both of Maryville, Tennessee and Shirley Bayous of Middlesex, New Jersey, three Grandchildren, five Great Grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lyons, mother, Elsie DeWolf and daughter, Bonnie Lee Hertack.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM on Thursday October 16, 2014 Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, FL with Father Dave Newhart, St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, officiating. Strunk Funeral Home (10/15/14)
MADELINE CAROL JONES, 88, died October 8, 2014 at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian. She was born in Bronx, New York and lived in Barefoot Bay coming from Kings Park, L.I., New York in 1996. Madeline retired from Kings Park Central School District after 27 years as school secretary. She was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, Barefoot, Bay, FL. She was also a member of the St. Luke Ladies Guild and volunteered at South Mainland Library, Barefoot Bay.
Survivors include daughter Barbara Jones Layden of Barefoot Bay, son Steven Jones and his wife, Denise, of Fairfield, Connecticut; grandson Joshua Jones and granddaughters Megan Kate Jones and Sarah Beth Talbot (Timothy); and great-grandson Benjamin Robert Talbot. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Emerson Jones.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kings Park High School Scholarship Fund, 200 Rt. 25A, Kings Park, NY 11754. Phone number 631-269-3345. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. Interment will be in Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, L.I., New York.
JULIE ANN PEREZ, 46, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2014 at the Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, FL. Julie was born in Waterloo, Iowa, and she was a member of a Military Family. Julie spent her School years in Virginia Beach, VA and moved to Florida in 1991.
Survivors include, her husband, Abraham Perez of Vero Beach, FL, and her parents Tom and Diana O’Leary of Vero Beach, FL., her sister, Kristi Lynn Schryver of Port Saint Lucie, FL.
Funeral Services will be private with the Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (10/15/14)
IRMA ANNETTE OLSZEWSKI, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10th at Palm Gardens of Vero Beach. She was the devoted wife of Carl Olszewski, and loving mother to Elaine, Ronald, and David. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Irma lived in Rhode Island for 77 years before moving to Vero Beach, Florida in 2006. She was an avid cook and baker, and will be remembered as the vibrant hostess of the family gatherings. Irma loved music and was a self-proclaimed “Krafty Lady,” as she had talents for jewelry making, floral arranging, sewing, crocheting, and painting. While living in Rhode Island, she also devoted her time as a volunteer to local nursing homes.
In addition to wife and mother, Irma was the beloved grandmother to Michelle of Warwick, RI, Michael and Bridget of Orlando, FL, and Tara and James of Cranston, RI and the adoring great-grandmother to Cameron. She was a loving aunt, caring cousin, and friend to many.
Arrangements will take place in Vero Beach and will be held privately. The family of Irma would like to extend a special “thank you” to the staff at Palm Gardens and to Treasure Coast Hospice for the loving care that they provided. Cox Gifford Funeral Home (10/15/14)
ROBERT W. PARVIN, 82, of Vero Beach, Florida met his Lord on October 6, 2014. He was born December 10, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Jacksonville, FL. Bob loved the water, whether on his sailboats or as a professional diver. He spent 10 years on a NOAA research ship as diver and the operator of government computer #002. Bob also designed many subdivisions in his hometown of Jacksonville. Most of all, Bob loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Dorie; daughters, Sandra Estes, Nancy (Steve) Bell and Dona Parvin; step-son, Gene (Pam) Brunell; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson. Bob was predeceased by his daughter, Lynda Davis; grandson, Jason Bell and his sister, Joan Hawkins.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to Cornerstone Christian Church, 5950 12th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32966. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (10/15/14)
ARNE TORALV TARANGER, 53, passed away suddenly at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center on October 6, 2014. Arne was born May 4, 1961 at the US Army Hospital at Landstuhl, West Germany. He graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1980 and worked as a retail jeweler for many years. He earned his BS in Business Administration from Indian River State College. Since December 26, 2001, he has worked as the Safety Officer for the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority.
Arne is survived by his parents, Anders and Esther Taranger, of Vero Beach; sisters, Kitty T. Rodgers, of Vero Beach and Anna T. Demelio, of Barefoot Bay; brother, Nils C. Taranger, of Kissimmee. He is also survived by many other friends and family members, including his work “family”. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew his kind spirit, experienced his great sense of humor, and who let him pour a glass of wine he chose just for them.
An informal Memorial Service will be held for Arne on Friday, October 10, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. Everyone is invited to share their favorite memory or story about Arne. Strunk Funeral Home (10/15/14)
WILLIAM RUSSELL TAYLOR, JR., 66, died October 3, 2014 at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. He was born in Glens Falls, New York and lived in Sebastian coming from Auburn, New York. Bill was a US Air Force veteran and received the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and many others. He retired after 21 years of service. He also worked 15 years for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2003. He was a member of VFW Post #10210, Sebastian, FL, American Legion Post 117, Palm Bay, FL, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Sebastian, FL, Fraternal Order of Orioles Nest 272, Micco, FL and the Italian American Club of Sebastian, FL.
Survivors include wife Janice Taylor of Sebastian, daughters Christina Thrower (Doug), Stacia Lee (Tim) of Petersburg, Virginia, son Tommy McNeil (Jodie) of Barefoot Bay, granddaughters Trinity and Rilynn Lee of Prince George, Virginia and Haley Graham of Chesterfield, Virginia, brother Jack Taylor, Sr., uncle Ronald Hall (Barbara) and aunt Evelyn Robichaud, all of Glens Falls, New York. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Hunter Lee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans and Families, the Disabled American Legion Riders or the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at Earl’s Hideaway, Sebastian, FL at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, October 8, 2014. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fraternal Order of Orioles Nest 272, Sebastian, FL at 6:00 PM, Thursday, October 9, 2014. Strunk Funeral Home (9/15/14)
GARRY EUGENE TAYLOR, 78, passed away, Sunday, October 5, 2014 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida. Garry was born in Chicago, Illinois but lived most of his life in Iowa. He and his wife Audrey moved to Florida in 2001 and since then have been snow birds sharing their lives between Vero Beach, Florida and Holiday Lake, Iowa. Before retiring he owned and operated Custom Floor Covering Service in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. GT enjoyed planning, drawing and building things with his own hands. He also loved teaching younger people how to build things as well. He was always very proud of his work. Among the many things he accomplished, he was especially proud that he planned, drew, and built their cabin at Holiday Lake, and taught his grandson how to build a floating dock. He had a very happy life and felt that he was blessed to be able to share his love with so many and blessed to have to the opportunity to tell all those he loved how grateful he was for their part in his beautiful life. GT was an active member of Riverside Church of Sebastian, Florida and the Grace Community Church in Grinnell, Iowa.
Survivors include his wife, of 56 years, Audrey Taylor, daughter, Doreatha (Ann) Taylor and her husband, Scott Howell, of Vero Beach, FL; grandsons Sebastian Howell and Finn Howell of Vero Beach, FL; brother, Tot Taylor and his wife Sharon of Oxford Junction, IA; sister, Darlene Taylor of Mesa, AZ; brothers and sisters in-laws, Sharon & Don Irwin of Davenport, IA, David & Judy Heath of Vero Beach, FL, Becky and Danny Wuflekuhle of Edgewood, IA, Gladys Taylor of Tipton, IA; many nieces and nephews, many many surrogate sons & daughters, grandkids and a lifetime of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Taylor, and Mary Ducy Taylor, and his brother, Gregg Taylor.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to “Bus Fund” c/o Riverside Church, 11205 Roseland Road, Sebastian, FL 32958 in memory of Garry Taylor. The family will receive friends at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Riverside Church, Sebastian, FL with a Celebration of Life Ceremony to be at at 11:00 AM with Rev. Grant Foster, officiating. A reception will follow at the church. The family would like to thank the caring staff and volunteers of VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach and Lawnwood Regional Pavillion in Ft. Pierce. Strunk Funeral Home (9/15/14)
KAREN MARIE VANDEVOORDE, 68, passed away October 13, 2014, at her residence in Sebastian with her loving family by her side. She was born in Miami, Florida and graduated from Immaculata Academy in Coconut Grove. Earning a community foundation-based scholarship, she attended the University of Florida with interest in studying law and majored in Political Science, graduating with honors in 1968. While there, she met her husband, René G. VanDeVoorde, whom she married in 1969. She earned her teaching certificate and taught in Miami and Chiefland, Florida for a few years before relocating to Sebastian with her husband after he graduated from law school.
Karen first taught social studies at Gifford Middle School before becoming an original faculty member at Sebastian River Middle Junior High School. While teaching, she went back to being a student herself in the evenings and on weekends, earning a Masters in Education from the University of Central Florida. She served as dean at Vero Beach High School, as assistant principal at Sebastian River Middle Junior High School, before rising to Executive Director of Secondary Education and Instructional Programs for Indian River County School District.
Karen had a passion for volunteering and giving back to her community, and was dedicated to many philanthropic endeavors. Recognizing that a similar organization allowed her to attend college at a time when university scholarships were not widely available, she served on the Board for Dollars for Scholars of Indian River County, now known as the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County, Inc. for more than 25 years. She was also an active member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Sebastian, serving previously as a lector, special minister of the Eucharist, and catechism teacher while most recently as a member of the Parish Council. Through the years, she has been involved as a founding member of the Sebastian River Junior Woman’s Club and on the Board of the Samaritan Center in Vero Beach. After her retirement from the School District of Indian River County, Karen continued to volunteer with various school testing programs and as a volunteer with Winners Walk Tall at Liberty Magnet Elementary, while acting as an officer and active member of the Retired Educators of Indian River County and a volunteering regularly at the Roseland United Methodist Church Thrift Shop.
Survivors include her husband of 45 years, René G. VanDeVoorde of Sebastian, FL; son, Dr. René G. VanDeVoorde III (Nicole) of Cincinnati, OH; daughters, Cynthia VanDeVoorde Hall (Martin) of Sebastian, and Rachel M. VanDeVoorde of Longwood, FL; and 4 grandchildren, Julianna, Eleanor, Oliver, and William.
The family asks that any memorial donations be made to the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County, Inc., VanDeVoorde Family Scholarship Award, P.O. Box 1820, Vero Beach, FL 32961 in lieu of flowers.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM, Thursday, October 16 at Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, FL with a prayer service being held at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 AM, Friday, October 17 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church with Father John Morrissey, celebrant. Interment will be at Sebastian Cemetery, Sebastian, FL. Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian, FL. A guest book is available at http://www.strunkfuneralhome.com. Strunk Funeral Home (10/15/14)
WARREN T. ZEUCH, III, “Skeet” died at home with his dog, Cody, by his side. He fought a valiant battle with cancer and diabetes. He was unable to work for several years and incurred enormous medical bills. Before his illness, he was a bus driver for Midnight Sun and spent years as a deputy for Indian River County and a Martin County deputy. He also had driven a bus for Indian River County school transportation department. Skeet was an avid reader and in his youth a “beach boy”. He enjoyed his work, in years past, as a Shriner.
He is survived by his step-mother, Molly Zeuch; brother, Ray (Mary) Zeuch; sisters, Judy (Richard) Bartlett and Earline (Richard) Batiste; and many friends. He was predeceased in death by his father, Warren T. Zeuch, Jr.; mother, Marjorie Kersey Zeuch; and brother, Michael A. Zeuch. When it comes to remembering him, he really cared about our county and the world. Donations may be mailed to the family: Ray Zeuch, 6466 4th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32968. There are currently no service details. Lowther Funeral Home (10/15/14)
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