March 25: Obituaries

RUTH LOUISE STARK ANDERSON, left us peacefully at 6:43am on March 21, 2015 after a brave battle with cancer, she was 78. Ruth was born in Shrub Oak, New York on June 3, 1936 and attended Thornwood Elementary School, Pleasantville High School, SUNY New Paltz where she obtained her BS Degree, and went on to Hunter College to achieve her Master’s Degree. She was a dedicated teacher and taught elementary school for 36 years.

Ruth married Alfred N. Andersen on December 27, 1959. Together they raised three children. Our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and friend is survived by her husband, Alfred; son, AJ Andersen of Miami, FL; daughter, Kim Andersen-Gerosa (Bill) of Pleasantville, NY; son, Karl Andersen (Anja Taekker) of Poughquag, NY; granddaughters, Maya Andersen, Nicole Gerosa, Grace Gerosa and Sophia Andersen; sister, Joan Herrman of Mt. Kisco, NY and family; and the family of her late brother, Arthur Stark of Charleston, SC.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home. 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960. A Celebration of Ruth’s life will begin at 3:00 PM. Interment will take place in NY. Online condolences may be made at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a Cancer Society of one’s choice. (3/25/15)

LENA ELLEN CRANDELL, 96, (our Golden Girl) of Vero Beach, FL peacefully went to be with her savior on Sunday, March 22, 2015 surrounded by her family at her home. She was born in Miami, FL, the daughter of the late Pearl and Thomas Bilyard. Lena was an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Vero Beach for the past six years and a long-time member of the Ilda Adventist Church in Fairfax, VA.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Milton (Billy) Crandall. She is survived by her four children she and Billy raised in Annandale, VA. Jeanne Stephenson of McDonough, GA, Joni Hedrick of Vero Beach, Milton Crandall, Jr. and his wife Diana of Roanoke, VA and Diane McClung and her husband Irby of Vero Beach. She is also survived by a very special nephew J. Emory Crandall (Geoge Squire) of Vero Beach, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, March 24 and a Funeral Service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, March 25 at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home where and online Guestbook may be signed at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (3/25/15)

HELEN IRENE DOYLE, 99, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Atlantic Healthcare in Vero Beach, FL. Helen was a native of Boston, MA. She is survived by her niece, Judith Jacobucci of Vero Beach, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00pm, on Monday, March 30, 2015, at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach, Fl. Those who wish may make donations to Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA, 19020-5796. A guest book may be signed at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (3/25/15)

HAMILTON McDONALD, 61, passed away March 21st at VNA Hospice House. Hamilton is survived by his wife, Donna; two daughters, Liz and Emily; his mother, Anna Maria; brother, Milton Townsend (Jackson); Sister, Marina Zakarian Robbins (Rob); nephews, Brett (Crystal) and Clay Zakarian and King Robbins; Great Nieces, Madison and Emma; his beloved pets, Noah and Bella. A special thank you to Ryan and family for the gift of life in 2005. A Celebration of Life is planned in the near future. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Sebastian, VNA Hospice House or The American Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (3/25/15)

JOHN DAVID “DAVE” PANULA, 80, died March 24, 2015 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach. Dave was born in Olyphant, PA and lived in Vero Beach for 11 years coming from Fairfield, CT. He graduated from Bridgeport University, Bridgeport, CT with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He was a United States Army veteran having served during the Korean War.Dave worked for the Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. for 34 years as a Human Resources Personnel Manager before his retirement in 1998. He was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Vero Beach. Dave was a 33rd Degree Mason, member of the York Rite Bodies, Stratford, CT and of the Masonic Ashlar Lodge #124, serving as Worshipful Master in 1988, 1994 and 1995. Dave was a track and field announcer for the Special Olympics, Connecticut Regional and State Games for 45 years. He was a recipient of the Unsung Hero Award for his years of service. He was a volunteer for the Vero Beach Theater Guild for 11 years and was this year’s recipient of the Steve Stahl President’s Choice Award. Dave was cherished by all that knew him and he will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of 24 years, Corinne Ioannilli Panula of Vero Beach; children, Michelle Laursen (Kurt), Ginette Budd (Timothy) and John David Panula III; grandchildren, Danielle Bijanda (Alex), Chantal Tatangelo, Brianne Tatangelo, Nicole Budd, Michael Tatangelo, Timothy Budd and John David Panula IV; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Sophia Bijanada and brother, Adrian Panula.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the Vero Beach Theater Guild, 2020 San Juan Ave.,Vero Beach, FL 32960 in memory of John David Panula. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. (3/25/15)

JOHN LENNARD STINSON, II, 72 of Vero Beach, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015 at his residence. John was a lifelong resident of Vero Beach. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years where he obtained the rank of Master Sargent. After his retirement from the Air Force, John, joined the United States Postal Service in Vero Beach for 16 years. John ended his career working with Flight Safety in Vero Beach.

John is survived by his wife, Judith of Vero Beach; a son, Robert Whiteley of Orlando, FL; two daughters, Sharon Whiteley of Vero Beach and Charlotte Ann Neilson of Port Charlotte, FL; a sister, Kay Ruark of Raleigh, NC and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family suggests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County, 4445 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32966. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com. (3/25/15)

SANDRA (SANDY) STEWART THORPE, 76, of Vero Beach passed away peacefully on March 16, 2015 at her home, after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born in Bridgeport, CT, where she attended Roger Ludlowe High School followed by Bay Path College in Long Meadow, MA where she earned her Associate’s Degree. Upon graduation Sandy worked for a radio station in New York City, marrying her high school sweetheart Dave Thorpe shortly thereafter. Sandy was predeceased by Dave last year after a long battle with prostate cancer.

For over 54 years Sandy and Dave enjoyed a very rich and active life, much of it spent in their home state of Connecticut. Dave and Sandy moved as Dave’s career required, including a two year assignment with the family in Geneva, Switzerland. During their time in CT, Dave and Sandy were active members of the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club in Westport. With many close friends, Sandy and Dave enjoyed fishing and cruising, making multiple trips along the Atlantic coast from Maine to the Bahamas with Dave at the helm and Sandy as first mate navigating the way. In 1999 Sandy and Dave retired to Vero Beach, FL and for the past 16 years they both enjoyed golf and travel with family and friends, including trips from Alaska to the eastern Mediterranean. Sandy also enjoyed an active social life including the occasional round of bridge. Sandy also regularly attended the Community Church in Vero Beach and her wonderful spirit, genuine smile, and sincere interest in others was always present.

Sandy is survived by her son, David L. Thorpe, Jr. and his wife Miranda of Seattle, WA; her daughter, Susan Potz of Southbury, CT; four grandchildren, her sister-in law, Pat Haydu and Pat’s husband Richard of Vero Beach.

A Celebration of Life will be held with close friends and family. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the ALS Association in memory of Sandra Stewart Thorpe. Strunk Funeral Home (3/25/15)