Hugh "Spike" Towey, 85, of Vero Beach, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.

Spike was born October 31, 1927 in New Jersey. He had been a resident of Vero Beach for 15 years, coming from Short Hills, NJ.

He served in the United States Marines during WWII.

Prior to his retirement he was the president and sole proprietor of the Whitemarsh Corp., a manufacturer's representative in the petroleum services industry.

He was of the Catholic faith and was a long time member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Short Hills. When he relocated to Vero Beach he attended Holy Cross Catholic Church.

He and his wife, Mary Louise were long time members of the Racquets Club in Short Hills, NJ; the Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield Township, NJ and the Grand Harbor Club in Vero Beach.

Survivors include his daughters Gael Towey of New York, NY, Ellen Kendall of Short Hills, NJ, Liz Ann Doherty of Brooklyn, NY and Carol Towey of Brooklyn, NY; sons Mark Towey of Westfield, NJ and Michael Towey of Rowayton, CT; and 15 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Louise Towey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 28, 2012 at Saint Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice House at 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, FL. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.