Farley Funeral Homes & Crematory/Venice Memorial Gardens

Farley Funeral Homes & Crematory/Venice Memorial Gardens Since 1962, our neighbors have trusted us to provide them with quality funeral, burial, and cremation

Farley Funeral Home & Crematory - Venice is a funeral home with an on-site crematory in Venice, Florida, part of Farley Funeral Homes serving the Sarasota metropolitan area. Established in 1962, the funeral home offers burial services, cremation services, funeral and memorial services, pre-need planning, reception and catered events, body donation coordination, veterans services including military

honors, ash scattering assistance, and pet cremation. Memorial diamonds are available through a partner provider. The facility includes multiple chapels, reception and event space, an on-site crematory, and private viewings. Burial and interment are available through Venice Memorial Gardens.

Virgil Carl MunsonVirgil Munson, age 98, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at his home in Venice, FL.Born on April ...
05/12/2026

Virgil Carl Munson

Virgil Munson, age 98, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at his home in Venice, FL.

Born on April 2, 1928, Virgil lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, devotion to family, hard work, friendship, and a tremendous sense of humor that touched everyone who knew him.

Virgil worked for 35 years at National Forge in Irvine, Pennsylvania. He spent 56 years living in Youngsville, Pennsylvania before relocating to Englewood, Florida in 1984.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marilyn Munson, who passed away on April 9, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Willis and Donald.

Virgil is survived by his children: Barry (Beth) Munson, Dale (Emma) Munson, Daniel (Tommie) Munson, and Laurie (Dale) Soder; along with ten grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Virgil was an active member of Calvary Chapel Sonlife in Englewood, Florida, the Venice YMCA, and the Masons, where he served as a Past Master. He enjoyed staying active, socializing with friends, and living life fully.

He especially loved golf and proudly celebrated two holes in one during his lifetime.

More than anything, Virgil will be remembered for his quick wit, warm heart, and ability to make people laugh. His humor became part of the fabric of his family and friendships, and the memories he created will continue to bring smiles for generations to come.

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Dorin Giurgiu
05/11/2026

Dorin Giurgiu

View Dorin Giurgiu's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Melody Ann MaddockMelody Ann MaddockAugust 20, 1949 – May 3, 2026Melody Ann Maddock, a loving mother, grandmother, siste...
05/09/2026

Melody Ann Maddock

Melody Ann Maddock

August 20, 1949 – May 3, 2026

Melody Ann Maddock, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026.

Born on August 20, 1949, to William Joseph Maddock Sr. and Paula Henry Maddock, Melody was proud to be a first-generation American. She cherished her Irish heritage through her father and her German roots through her mother’s family.

Melody grew up in a large and close-knit Irish-German family in Islip Terrace, New York, before moving to East Islip, where her father built a home for the family. She graduated from East Islip High School, where she developed a lifelong love of music and travel. Melody played clarinet in the school band and was a proud member of the Sky Roamers, a group that gave her the opportunity to travel to Trinidad and experience many adventures.

Melody’s greatest joy began in May 1973 with the birth of her son, David, whom she shared with Sidney Gordon. Being a mother was the role she treasured most, and she devoted herself completely to making sure David always felt loved, supported, and encouraged. The three lived in Selden, New York, until 1982, when, following Sid’s passing, the two of them moved to Englewood, Florida.

Known affectionately as the “fun mom,” Melody welcomed David’s friends with an open door and an open heart. She loved bowling, darts, and playing pool, but some of her happiest moments were spent walking the beach at sunset, collecting shark teeth along the shore.

As David grew older, Melody took immense pride in his accomplishments — from graduating Lemon Bay High School to earning his degree from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania in 1996 and building a successful career as a financial advisor. Yet even greater joy awaited her in becoming a grandmother.

In 2007, David returned to Florida to be closer to his mother. Soon after, he married the love of his life, Kristie, and Melody’s world grew even brighter. She became an instant Nana to Jaelyn and Will and loved watching her son embrace family life. The birth of her grandson, Joseph “Joey” David Gordon, brought Melody what she often called “the best gift” of her life. She loved being Nana more than anything and treasured every moment she could spend with him. In her later years, time with Joey and family gave her strength, comfort, and purpose.

Throughout her life, Melody held many roles, including working with IBM mainframe computers, managing a small resort, and bartending. Known as “Mel” to many friends and patrons, she loved conversation, laughter, and connecting with people. She was a proud NRA member and enjoyed working at the American Legion, the VFW, and a local corner bar in Englewood. She especially cherished visits from Gwen, Jude, and Evelyn during her bartending days.

Melody is survived by her loving son, David Alan Gordon; daughter-in-law, Kristie Gordon; grandchildren Jaelyn Palchevsky and her husband Phillip Palchevsky, William Landers IV, and Joseph “Joey” Gordon; sister Jolene Maddock Lesniewski and her husband, Victor Lesniewski; godson and nephew Joseph Perkins; nephew William Maddock III; niece Brittney Roviglio; and many more beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Mary Kate Maddock, Paula Maddock Addotta, Sharon Maddock Perkins, William Maddock Jr., and Bonnie Maddock Cause.

Melody will be remembered for her warmth, humor, fierce love for her family, and the joy she brought to everyone lucky enough to know her. Her memory will live on in every beach sunset, every shared laugh, and every story told around family and friends.

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Alan Carl GambleAlan Carl Gamble lived life fully, joyfully, and encouraged all those around him to do the same.Known fo...
05/08/2026

Alan Carl Gamble

Alan Carl Gamble lived life fully, joyfully, and encouraged all those around him to do the same.

Known for his irrepressible optimism, warmth, and unmistakable joie de vivre, Alan believed life was meant to be embraced wholeheartedly — with curiosity, laughter, adventure, good conversation, and deep love for family and friends. He had a gift for making people feel welcomed, celebrated, and more alive simply by being in his presence. Whether planning the next trip, gathering friends around a table, or making sure no wine glass stayed empty for long, Alan approached life as something to savor and share generously.

Born and raised on a rural farm in Pennsylvania, Alan experienced profound loss early in life, losing his mother at twelve and his father shortly after his freshman year of college. In the wake of his mother’s death, the support and care shown by his church community helped sustain Alan and his siblings during an unimaginably difficult time. That experience shaped in him a lifelong commitment to faith, community, generosity, and showing up for others — values he carried throughout his life and instilled deeply in his children and grandchildren. When a bad back prevented him from continuing farm work, Alan forged a new path through determination, scholarships, work-study, and loans, earning his degree from Wilkes College and building a distinguished career in finance with IBM.

Through IBM, Alan and his beloved wife, Susan Morse Gamble, built a life filled with adventure, friendship, and global experiences, living in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Rome, Singapore, and throughout the United States. Together they shared a love of travel, entertaining, golf, bocce, great food and wine, and most importantly, family.

At the center of Alan’s life was the family he and Susan created together. He was a devoted father to Maria Gamble Luedeke and her husband Scott Luedeke, and Helen Gamble Speer and her husband Mark Holstine. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Christopher Mark Luedeke, Michael Scott Luedeke, Jason Alan Luedeke, and Kylie Jane Holstine, as well as a beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Alan especially treasured sharing both a name, a birthday and a love of the Pittsburgh Steelers with his grandson Jason Alan, a connection that brought him immense joy.

Though life introduced Alan to loss early, he answered it with gratitude, optimism, and an unwavering commitment to living fully. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, adventure, faith, community, and the reminder to never let life pass by without celebrating it.

A private celebration of Alan’s life will be held in Florida for family and close friends. A memorial service and burial of ashes will take place in Pennsylvania for extended family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Highland Lake Association on which preserves and protects Highland Lake, Alan’s favorite place to be in the world.

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Richard Donald NortonRichard Donald Norton was born October 2, 1933 to Clarence and Alice Norton in Berwyn, Illinois. Ri...
05/07/2026

Richard Donald Norton

Richard Donald Norton was born October 2, 1933 to Clarence and Alice Norton in Berwyn, Illinois. Richard attended Morton High School and Illinois State College for two years.

Richard enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged at the end of the Korean War. He returned to Illinois State College were he earned his Bachelor's Degree.

Richard married Carol Parson in Illinois and they later moved to New Brunswick, New Jersey where they raised four children. He was employed as a fleet manager for Hertz Corporation.

Richard met Patricia McInerney through her brother, John, when they worked at Budd Trailer in Kearny, New Jersey. Richard and Patricia enjoyed motorcycling, boating, skiing, scuba diving, gardening, traveling and making freezer jam. They moved from Metuchen, New Jersey, to Nokomis, Florida in 2008. Richard enjoyed motorcycling and was a hot rod car enthusiast. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones and friends.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughters, Elizabeth, Jennifer and Melissa; and his granddaughters, Brandi and Jessie. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother and son.

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Alan Carl GambleAlan Carl Gamble lived life fully, joyfully, and encouraged all those around him to do the same.Known fo...
05/06/2026

Alan Carl Gamble

Alan Carl Gamble lived life fully, joyfully, and encouraged all those around him to do the same.

Known for his irrepressible optimism, warmth, and unmistakable joie de vivre, Alan believed life was meant to be embraced wholeheartedly — with curiosity, laughter, adventure, good conversation, and deep love for family and friends. He had a gift for making people feel welcomed, celebrated, and more alive simply by being in his presence. Whether planning the next trip, gathering friends around a table, or making sure no wine glass stayed empty for long, Alan approached life as something to savor and share generously.

Born and raised on a rural farm in Pennsylvania, Alan experienced profound loss early in life, losing his mother at twelve and his father shortly after his freshman year of college. In the wake of his mother’s death, the support and care shown by his church community helped sustain Alan and his siblings during an unimaginably difficult time. That experience shaped in him a lifelong commitment to faith, community, generosity, and showing up for others — values he carried throughout his life and instilled deeply in his children and grandchildren. When a bad back prevented him from continuing farm work, Alan forged a new path through determination, scholarships, work-study, and loans, earning his degree from Wilkes College and building a distinguished career in finance with IBM.

Through IBM, Alan and his beloved wife, Susan Morse Gamble, built a life filled with adventure, friendship, and global experiences, living in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Rome, Singapore, and throughout the United States. Together they shared a love of travel, entertaining, golf, bocce, great food and wine, and most importantly, family.

At the center of Alan’s life was the family he and Susan created together. He was a devoted father to Maria Gamble Luedeke and her husband Scott Luedeke, and Helen Gamble Speer and her husband Mark Holstine. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Christopher Mark Luedeke, Michael Scott Luedeke, Jason Alan Luedeke, and Kylie Jane Holstine, as well as a beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Alan especially treasured sharing both a name, a birthday and a love of the Pittsburgh Steelers with his grandson Jason Alan, a connection that brought him immense joy.

Though life introduced Alan to loss early, he answered it with gratitude, optimism, and an unwavering commitment to living fully. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, adventure, faith, community, and the reminder to never let life pass by without celebrating it.

A private celebration of Alan’s life will be held in Florida for family and close friends. A memorial service and burial of ashes will take place in Pennsylvania for extended family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Highland Lake Association which preserves and protects Highland Lake, Alan’s favorite place to be in the world.

View Alan Carl Gamble's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Herman Daniel BakerHerman Daniel Baker, 86, passed away on April 29, 2026, in Venice, Florida. Born in Johnston County, ...
05/04/2026

Herman Daniel Baker

Herman Daniel Baker, 86, passed away on April 29, 2026, in Venice, Florida. Born in Johnston County, NC, to the late George Gilbert and Lucy Lee Rose Baker, he was the last survivor of nine children. After service in the US Air Force and employment with Southern Bell, Herman retired to Florida. In retirement, he was very active providing tax assistance and in 2023 was selected as an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Fellow.

Herman is survived by his wife of 62 years, Angelika (Heinemann); his son, George Edward “Ed” Baker, and his wife, Allison (Fletcher) Baker, of Naples, Florida; his granddaughter, Kendall Baker Westbrook, and her husband, Justin, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; and his great-grandson, Baker James Westbrook.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donating to Affinity Hospice of Sarasota County for their kind and helpful support of Herman and his wife during his last days

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Albert Michael Churilla, Jr.Albert Michael Churilla Jr., 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Heart...
05/01/2026

Albert Michael Churilla, Jr.

Albert Michael Churilla Jr., 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Heartis Assisted Living in Venice, Florida, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

Al was born on May 22, 1939, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Albert M. Churilla Sr. and Helen (Smetana) Churilla. The eldest of four sons, he was raised in Manchester, Connecticut.

He attended the University of Bridgeport on a soccer scholarship and had the distinction of playing in the first NCAA Division I Soccer National Championship game in 1959.

Al enjoyed a long and successful career in the furniture industry. Over the years, he served as a marketing representative, Regional Sales Manager, and National Director of Retail Store Operations for Ethan Allen. He later became the owner of two Ethan Allen Galleries in Providence, Rhode Island, and concluded his career with La-Z-Boy as a manufacturer’s representative for the Connecticut and Massachusetts territories.

In 2004, Al and his wife Sherry moved to Florida, settling in the Venetian Golf and River Club community in Venice. A talented and creative individual, Al had a lifelong passion for photography. He served as past President of the Photographic Society of Rhode Island and as Vice President and board member of the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC). Throughout his photography career, he earned hundreds of awards and held numerous one-man shows across New England.

Al also contributed his expertise as a judge for the Florida Camera Club Council and the Lakewood Ranch Camera Club. Generous with his time, he often served as the Venetian community photographer, capturing local events, and became the official photographer for the Venetian Golf and River Club directory.

He loved to travel and explored much of the world, creating beautiful keepsake books of his photography from the places he visited.

A longtime member of the Venetian Golf Club, Al enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends. He was also an enthusiastic participant in the Sarasota Model Yacht Club, a radio-controlled boating club. A devoted member of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, he was a man of deep faith and strong community spirit.

A lifelong sports fan, Al especially enjoyed following the University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball team—Go Huskies! His greatest joy, however, came from his family, particularly watching his granddaughter Abigail’s accomplishments as an opera singer and performer.

Al’s warm personality, kind heart, and genuine interest in others earned him the respect and friendship of many throughout his life. He maintained close bonds with friends from his high school and college years—relationships that endured for decades.

Al is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry; his daughter Tracy and her husband Robert Bodvake of Norfolk, Virginia; and their daughter Abigail. He is also survived by his brother Michael and wife Juanita of Venice; his sister-in-law Barbara Churilla of South Carolina; his nephew Michael Churilla Jr. and wife Leslie; his niece Amy (Sean) McKay; and his great-nieces and nephews Henry and Vincent Churilla, and Shaelyn and Chase McKay, as well as many cousins and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his high school sweetheart and first wife, Frances Sweet Churilla. Al and Fran were blessed with two daughters, Terri and Tracy. Tragically, Terri died at the age of 19 in a skiing accident in 1986, and Fran passed away in 2003. He was also predeceased by his brothers Kenneth (2012) and David Churilla (2025).

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third St., East Greenwich, RI. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, East Greenwich, RI. Calling hours: Monday, May 11, 2026 will be held from 6-8 pm at the Urquhart Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HILL – SKEFFINGTON FUNERAL HOME OF EAST GREENWICH, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online (www.stjude.org). Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida is handling the arrangements. To send a condolence of memory of Albert please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.

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Jeffrey Vandegrift      Jeffrey Vandegrift, 79, of Venice, FL, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026. He was born Feb...
04/30/2026

Jeffrey Vandegrift

Jeffrey Vandegrift, 79, of Venice, FL, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026. He was born February 20, 1947 in Norristown, PA, the son of Andrew and Helen Vandegrift who preceded him in death.

He was inducted into the Army on September 23, 1966 and was honorably discharged on August 15, 1968. He served in the Artillery Division of the Infantry in Vietnam. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He retired from RV World of Nokomis after many years of service. He was a former member of the Venice Region AACA and the American Legion. He was a member of the Christ Venice Church for over 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Vandegrift, and his three children: Dawn Vandegrift, Heather Ricker, and James Vandegrift. He is also survived by his brother Kerry Vandegrift, of Quakertown, PA. He was preceded in death by six siblings.

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Raymond Dollard LaRocheRaymond Dollard LaRoche, age 81, passed away on June 22, 2025 in Venice, Florida. He was born in ...
04/30/2026

Raymond Dollard LaRoche

Raymond Dollard LaRoche, age 81, passed away on June 22, 2025 in Venice, Florida. He was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire on February 3, 1944 to Dollard Raymond LaRoche and Regina Marie (Albert) LaRoche of Northumberland, New Hampshire.

He attended the Groveton, NH schools and thereafter enlisted in the Army. In 1972, he moved to Florida, residing in Nokomis. Raymond was employed by the Sarasota County School Board until his retirement in 2011. His interest was classic cars owning a few over the years.

Raymond is survived by his sister, Mary Ann; a nephew, Richard Clower and his wife Ayesa and their two sons, Jonathan and Warren. He also leaves behind his nephew, David Clower and his wife Nancy.

We deeply miss Raymond and fond memories of him won’t be forgotten. He was a good person. Burial will be in Lancaster, NH.

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Gary John BuckleyGary Buckley 42 passed away at his residence on 4/1/26 in North Port, FL. Born August 26, 1983 in Peori...
04/29/2026

Gary John Buckley

Gary Buckley 42 passed away at his residence on 4/1/26 in North Port, FL. Born August 26, 1983 in Peoria IL. He moved to Venice FL with his family in 1989.

Surviving are his parents Timothy & Mary Sue Buckley of Venice, FL. His sister Amy (Michael) Bulkowski of Venice. Two brothers Jacob Buckley and Alex Buckley (Lianna Cornelius) Of North Port and nephew Clinton E Burger III of Englewood FL. Preceding him in death, his maternal grandfather Robert E Reginald of Lacon IL. His paternal grandparents Gerald Jack & Joanne Buckley of ChillIcothe IL and a nephew Joshua E Buckley.

Gary was a spiritual man that loved nature with a strong faith in God, Family, and Country. He was a kind soul and lived a simple hard-working life and never had any enemies. He was one of the best flooring installers in SWFL.

He will be missed by those that knew and loved him. Cremation rites were accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Rest easy Gary. We Love YOU!

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265 Nokomis Avenue South
Venice, FL
34285

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