Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services

12/13/2025

Traditions play a vital role in preserving cherished stories! ♥️

What is one holiday tradition you maintain that brings to mind a special person? Perhaps it’s a beloved recipe, a song that holds memories, or a yearly stroll that holds significance. Your insights could inspire someone looking to create a new tradition this season.

We’d love for you to share yours in the comments below. 😊

12/12/2025

Dixie Jean Riley, 92, of Cape Coral, Fl, passed away peacefully, Saturday, December 6, 2025, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Dixie now joins her true love Robert ‘Bob’ Riley and her son Mark (recently deceased).

She was born July 25, 1933 in Des Moines, to John and Helen Davis, the youngest of 3 daughters. While attending Des Moines Technical High School and working at the local movie theatre, she met Bob, her one true Love. He was the center of her universe for 76 years. They began their life adventure together April 15, 1950, and spent the next 50 years focused on the lives of their children and grandchildren, family, friends and their community. ln the mid-1960s, the young family of 6 was transferred to the Troy/Birmingham area in Metro Detroit, where they remained until they retired to Cape Coral, Fl in 1985.

Dixie led a very full personal life revolved around the lives and activities of their four children, and later their grandchildren and great grandchildren and her professional commitments. Her love and support were unwavering, and her expectations were always clear. She was a passionately independent role model and a dynamic influence in the lives of her family and friends, as she quietly encouraged us all to be the very best in everything we attempted.

Professionally, she managed a long career in retail management and accounting, which culminated in ownership of Jodi’s Hallmark in the late 1980s in Cape Coral. She was a member of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, where she championed opportunities for local youth. In her later years, she became widely known to the Cape Coral community for her infectious smile and kindness for all while managing local Circle K establishments.

Over their life together, Dixie and Bob traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Caribbean, enjoying the challenge of new cultures and experiences. Both Dixie and Bob were avid readers, passionate about education, instilling a love for learning and curiosity of the world in all of their children. They were always happiest enjoying the company of family and friends.

At 92, Dixie is survived by her daughters, Cindy Dennison (David) of Cape Coral Florida, Jodi Nielson (J.R.) of Tyler, TX, her son, John Riley (Linda) of Fairview North Carolina and her 8 Grandchildren and 9 Great grandchildren.

A private service is planned at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with a Memorial Service to honor her life and her love for family and friends later in the spring. In recognition of her commitment to her community and its children, the family would like to suggest support for Shriner’s Hospital for Children, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or your local food bank in lieu of flowers.

12/12/2025

Michael Andrade, age 73 of Cape Coral FL for over 27 years. Previously residing in SE MA. Passed away in Cape Coral FL on December 4th. Born in Fall River MA to the late Hazel Viveiros Rego Andrade & Lionel Andrade. He graduated from Diman Reg Vo-Tech School in 1972 & was a maintenance manager at Fiddlesticks in Ft Myers for 19 years & a floor manager at Foxboro Co. in Foxboro MA for 20 years. He was a member of the Porsche club & NRA.

He is survived by his daughter Bonnie (Andrade) Sparks of Colrain, MA & his brother Kenneth Andrade of Swansea, MA & several nieces & nephews. He leaves behind his partner of 23 years Mary Jo Michel of Cape Coral, FL.

A memorial service will take place at Fuller Metz funeral home and be live streamed on December 16th at 11a with a reception on site after.

Donations in his honor can be made to Diman Alumni, 251 Stonehaven Rd, Fall River MA 20723 for Michael Andrade 172.

12/10/2025

12/09/2025

We are excited to initiate this conversation! This week, we invite you to contribute blankets, non-perishable food items, and toys to support local families in need at a nearby community shelter. Our aim is to envelop our neighbors in kindness, reminding them that they are not alone during this season.

Feel free to tag us in your photos and videos showcasing your efforts to give back to the community—we would love to see your contributions!

12/08/2025

Rebecca “Beak” Knight, 48, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 8, 1977 in Rockport, Maine, Rebecca was the cherished daughter of William A. Knight, Jr. and Kathleen Greeley Knight. She was also the beloved sister of Jessica VanHart (Joe), Elizabeth Bergau (Michael), William A. Knight III, Marie Elmountassir, Mathew Nickerson and Ethan Knight (Brittany).

Rebecca graduated from Belfast Area High School in 1995 and went on to earn a degree in Accounting, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bentley College in Massachusetts. She built a fulfilling career as the CFO at J VanHart Provisions Inc., where she was known for her hard work and dedication.

A strong, loving and caring soul, Rebecca known as Beak found joy in fishing, boating, and spending time with her friends and family. She also loved giving back by volunteering her time supporting the autism community. She had an infectious laugh and a heart of gold, always ready to lend a hand or share a story. Her presence in the lives of her family and friends was a gift, filled with countless shared adventures and unwavering support.

Beak leaves behind a legacy of love and beautiful memories. She is survived by her devoted parents, William A. Knight, Jr. (Julie) and Kathleen Greeley Knight and her loving siblings, Jess, Libby, Marie, Matt and Ethan. She will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews Madison, Andrew, Gannon, Kolby, Joey, Emma, Sofia, Leah, Anthony and EJ along with her aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her brother William, Nana and Papa, Grammy and Grampy, Uncle Al, Uncle Mike, Aunt Aprille and cousin Jarrod.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rebecca’s name to Family Initiative, Inc. at https://www.fi-florida.org

12/08/2025

Barbara Anne O'Connor, 89, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on December 4, 2025. She was born in Far Rockaway, NY in 1936 to Roderick and Nora Cawley. She married Maurice O'Connor in 1957 and together they lived in Jackson Heights, NY.

Barbara moved to Cape Coral in 1974 from Hicksville, NY. She retired from the State of Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and was an active member of St. Andrew Catholic Church.

Barbara was a devoted mother and grandmother who relished spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Maurice in 2010, and her sons John O'Connor in 2015 and Michael O'Connor in 2017.

Survivors include her children Robert "Bob" (wife Tara) O'Connor and Noreen McDermott all of Cape Coral, Joe (wife Sheila) of Clermont, FL, 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and many other extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to her visitation hours on Wednesday, December 10th from 5pm to 7pm at Fuller Metz Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, December 11th at 1:00pm at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church.

12/07/2025

Today, on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pause to honor the service members and civilians whose courage changed the course of history. Their stories remind us how powerful devotion, resilience, and love of country can be.

If you have a family member who served during World War II, we’d be honored if you shared their name or a short story about them in the comments so we can remember together.

12/04/2025

This week, we are thrilled to honor our committed staff members who play an essential role in our funeral home family.

Our community has voiced their appreciation for the comforting presence and genuine smiles we offer during challenging times. Families have expressed how much they cherish our attentive care and the significance we place on listening to each individual story with empathy.

We encourage you to share a memorable experience or leave a heart to show your gratitude for our amazing funeral family and all their hard work.

12/01/2025

The holiday season often evokes a blend of warmth and complex emotions. If you wish to commemorate a cherished individual this December, consider the following ideas:

1. Light a candle in their memory before a family meal.
2. Display a special ornament or keepsake that reminds you of them.
3. Share a beloved story about them during gatherings.

Always keep in mind that there is no correct way to navigate your grief; you are free to choose whatever brings you solace.