Richard Stephen Vrabel

Richard Vrabel, 85, of Laporte, PA, or more lovingly known as “Grandpa Gum Gum,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 16th, 2025.

Richard was born on December 25, 1939, in Avoca, PA, and raised in Duryea, PA. He joined the army at an early age, and after four years of service returned to Pennsylvania. He worked the majority of his life in manufacturing, and later retired from Owens-Illinois, later known as Techneglas, where he retired after thirty years.

Richard lived with his daughter and her family. He was a lover of landscaping, and you could find him riding around on the tractor, splitting wood, or cutting grass. He and his daughter lived for the warmer weather, where they spent most days sitting on the porch, birdwatching, gardening, and taking the dog for walks. Early on, he loved to take his grandchildren to school, making them late daily by pulling over to play Chubby Checker songs. He lived to buy his grandchildren everything they weren’t supposed to have, and told them to hide the evidence after. He spoiled them daily. Once they were grown, he looked forward to every visit from them, passing on every life lesson he could think of.

Throughout the years, most family trips were spent at Knoebels riding his favorite coaster, The Phoenix, or laying on the beach at the Jersey Shore, spending tons of money at Lucky Leo’s Arcade with his grandchildren. He cherished the annual camping trips to Virginia, where he spent his time biking, hiking, and enjoying the scenery. In the downtime of these trips, Richard enjoyed playing Yahtzee and poker with the family.

He was often seen riding around town in his van, otherwise known as the Green Hornet, going well under the speed limit with his beloved pet & partner in crime, Maggie, riding shotgun. His day consisted of grabbing coffee and cigarettes from the Nittany Mini Mart, and collecting his mail at the post office. Whoever he met was sure to hear him bragging about his family, the love of his life (his dog), and recounting his comical anecdotes. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

The Dushore Library staff knew him well, as he visited there frequently to pick out yet another book. He was an avid historical reader on topics of the Wild West, Mafia, and all things military. He could be heard saying, “If it ain’t true, it ain’t worth reading.”

Richard enjoyed an occasional drink at D&D Brew Works to shoot the breeze with his favorite bartender, Bob Bob, and whoever else was in ear shot. He loved when they had a band playing, and seized any opportunity to hit the dance floor.

Richard was a proud patriot and served his country in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. He loved to share his stories of his time spent in the 11th Airborne Unit in Germany and reminiscing on the good old days with his army buddies.

Richard is survived by his former wife, Dorothy English Vrabel of Sweet Valley, PA, his sons Richard Vrabel (Carissima) of Peckville, PA, Stephen Vrabel (Lisa) of Whitehall, PA, William Vrabel of Wilkes Barre, PA, and his daughter Lisa Skoranski (Frank) of Laporte, PA. He is remembered by his eight grandchildren, Samantha and Cassidy Skoranski, Cortney Keys (Cameron), Kyle Vrabel (Kedron), Josh Dartouzos-Vrabel (Haley), Carrissima Hodovanec, Zamarra Vrabel, and Chad Vrabel. He also had five great grandchildren: Elliot Keys, Kohen and Kollyns Vrabel, Mckenzie Vrabel, and Victoria Vrabel. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Zanelli (Dave) of Denver, CO. He will be sadly missed by his beloved dog, Maggie.

He did not wish to have any formal services, but requested a small family gathering to honor him.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to the Friends of the Sullivan County Library, PO Box 485, Dushore, PA 18614.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA.

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com