Philip Peter Strazzulla

PHILIP PETER STRAZZULLA, a third-generation Treasure Coast resident, Florida citrus grower and successful Commercial Real Estate Agent, 64, of Vero Beach, Florida died peacefully at home Monday, January 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. Philip was born in Boynton Beach in 1959 and spent his childhood in Fort Pierce and his adult life in Vero Beach. He was a graduate of John Carroll High School in 1977. Philip attended the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree emphasis in Design Theory and Environmental Technology. He received a degree of Associate of Science in Environmental Technology for his work in geology from the University of Colorado at Denver. In addition, Philip received a Bachelor of Finance in the College of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University with an emphasis on investment analysis and management of financial institutions in 1986. After graduating college, Philip was appointed Manager of Strazzulla Bros Co. Inc. Real Estate Holdings, comprising 1,800 acres of farmland in Palm Beach County, 1,700 acres of citrus, and a 5,600 acre cattle ranch in St. Lucie County. Philip was responsible for permitting, engineering, development and planning for the company’s holdings. His work was instrumental in the establishment of the Capron Trail Community Development District and permitting the Capron Trail Project. Philip was recently named President of Strazzulla Brothers Co. Inc. preceded by his late father Joseph P. Strazzulla. The Strazzulla family has been in the agri-business, real estate management and development, and citrus industries since 1948.

Philip was a well-respected commercial Realtor and instrumental in land development, planning and sales of specific private, agri-business and corporate real estate endeavors. As a steward of the land, Philip assisted in the development and sale of company owned lands, including commercial shopping centers, golf and country clubs, (Wycliffe, Stonebridge, Sundial) residential communities, and planned municipal community districts. Notably, Philip and his father Joseph P. Strazzulla, worked together to develop the Wycliffe Country Club Development from 1988 to 1992. For the last 29 years, Philip has focused on Treasure Coast residential and commercial real estate projects. Philip holds past board affiliations with the Saint Lucie County Farm Bureau, Indian River Citrus League, USDA Citrus Administrative Committee, SFWMD Ag Advisory Committee, FDOC Research Advisory Committee, Indian River Housing Authority and Committee Member of the Treasure Coast Builders Association. His recent affiliations include the National Association of Realtors, Realtors Association of Indian River County and Coldwell Banker Commercial.

As an enthusiast of the skies, seas, and the great outdoors, Philip’s passions included fishing, diving, skiing, and enjoying the beauty of Florida’s natural landscape. Philip received his private pilots license at the age of fifteen and was an avid pilot, sailor and sportsman. His annual family sailing trips to the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas were a testament to his love for adventure.

Philip and his wife of 36 years, Therese M. Strazzulla, married in Vero Beach, June 27, 1987. Terri’s unwavering love and support sustained Philip after a tragic accident in 2002, showcasing the power of their enduring relationship rooted in faith, love, persistence and determination. They have two daughters, Allison Strazzulla Cloughley (James Grant Cloughley) and Amelia Jane Strazzulla and two grandchildren, Merritt Jean Cloughley and James Graham Cloughley of Vero Beach Florida. His special bond with his daughters and grandchildren will forever be a testament to the strength and the integrity of family.

Philip was the eldest son of the late Joseph Philip Strazzulla of Vero Beach. Surviving his mother Helen Jane Strazzulla and five brothers and sisters, their children and their spouses, Donna and Joel Hollis of St. Augustine, Teresa Sewell of Okeechobee, Frank and Cheri Strazzulla and Dominic and Lori Strazzulla all of Vero Beach, and Paul and Cindi Strazzulla of Fort Meade. Philip was the much loved Uncle to Sean Paul (Angie) Sewell, Ashley (Joe) Zito, Francesca and Austin Strazzulla, Nicholas, Vail and Sophia Strazzulla, Kelly Mank, Keaton (Eden) Mank and Lily Strazzulla and great nieces and nephew, Nora, Charlotte and Oliver Sewell. Philip is also survived by his Uncle John Strazzulla and his wife Nancy of Vero Beach and his Aunt Regina and her husband Andy Rockefeller of Lexington, Massachusetts, and his Uncles Dan Silvero and Dr. Peter Silvero (Beth) of Park City, Utah. Philip was the much beloved cousin of Laura Strazzulla Burns (Tim) and daughter Sarah Burns of Boca Raton, Chris Strazzulla (Jenni) of Lincolnville, Maine with boys Jack and Chris P. Strazzulla, Tory Rockefeller (James Hollowell) of Homer, Alaska with daughter Maple Hollowell and Lisa Rockefeller (Ned Sebelius) with sons George, Hugh and Philip Sebelius of Boston, Massachusetts.

Philip is preceded by his late father Joseph P. Strazzulla, late grandfather Philip Strazzulla, formerly of Vero Beach, grandparents Peter and Dorothy Silvero and his late great uncles Frank Strazzulla, formerly of Fort Pierce and Dominic Strazzulla, formerly of Belmont, Massachusetts.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County in memory of Philip P. Strazzulla.

Scholarship Foundation of Indian River

P.O. Box 1820

Vero Beach, FL 32961-1820

Or online at www.sfindianriver.org

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.