Herman Richard Zapf

Herman Richard "Dick" Zapf, 80, of Stroudsburg, died Thursday morning, Aug. 7, at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. He was the beloved husband of Elsie (Proper) Zapf, with whom he recently celebrated 26 years of marriage.

Born on March 14, 1928, in Secaucus, N.J., he was a son of the late Herman and Josephine Zapf.

Dick grew up in Lincoln Park, N.J., and graduated from Boonton High School. During World War II he served with the U.S. Navy in the Philippine Islands and aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer. He attended Newark College of Engineering before joining New York Telephone, AT&T and then Bell Communications Research. He retired as director of corporate security after a career of 37 years in the Bell System.

Dick was Lincoln Park's first appointed police director. He served on the Lincoln Park School Board and had been an active Boy Scout leader. He was a life-member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, belonged to Lincoln Park Post 279 American Legion and Lodge 154, Free & Accepted Masons, Mt. View, N.J.

Dick had been a volunteer driver on the Daffodil Express for the American Cancer Society in Monroe County. He had also been active in civic affairs for the Borough of Stroudsburg. He had a great love for trains and belonged to various train restoration organizations.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and enjoyed time with his family. His hobbies included doing home improvements, reading, gourmet cooking and his love for trains. Dick was always ready to help others whenever needed.

In addition to his wife, Elsie, he is survived by a brother, David Zapf; a son, Thomas Zapf; a daughter, Donna Mateyka; two granddaughters, Michelle and Christina Mateyka; two stepsons, Mark Rice and his wife, Karen, and their children Robert and Matthew, and Michael Rice and his daughter, Barbara Rice, and granddaughter, Kayla Messex.

Dick chose to donate his body to the Humanity Gifts Registry in Philadelphia. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family requests that donations be made to the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, attention: volunteer services, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711.