Stephen C. "Chuck" Vrabel

VRABEL, Stephen C. "Chuck" Born on January 24, 1941 in Homestead, PA. He passed away on September 7, 2005 at home in Santa Rosa in peace and in the company of his loving family. Chuck grew up in Philadelphia, PA, where he attended Girard Boys School. Upon graduation, he moved to Long Beach, CA where he met and married his wife of 35 years, Darlene. Although they divorced in 1993, they, together with Darlene's husband Dr. Ty A. Lasky, remained close friends and devoted parents until his passing. He lived with, and was cared for by his son Stephen K. Vrabel throughout this last year. He is survived also by his son Bill, sister Geri, and grandchildren Tawni Nichole and Stephen, Jr., the children of his son Stephen. Chuck's great gusto for life, his passion and joy and his unique perspectives on the world will be missed. His ability to throw himself wholly into life was an inspiration that touched us all. Lord Buckley put it well when he said, "He stomped on the Terra". He did nothing in a small way, and the light is diminished in his passing. As a local Real Estate Broker who owned and operated Pyramid Realty with Darlene, he and his best friend and business partner, T.O. "Heavy" Baggett, took great pride especially in helping bring people into their first homes. This 30 year career included helping to merge the BIA/CIA, and he was a past president of the BIA. He was also an outstanding athlete in his youth, playing both baseball and basketball. He brought his love of sports and his love of kids into life as a coach, Commissioner and President of Rincon Valley Little League, where his larger-than-life personality was a great influence on many. He was also a longtime fan of both the Oakland A's and the Raiders, who brought him great joy. Chuck was also an avid and accomplished fisherman, and guide. he owned and operated The Riffles Trailer Park on the Klamath River with his family in the 1980's. Those who knew and loved him may rest assured that he now sits at the side of some heavenly steelhead stream, in peace and contentment. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at a visitation to be held on Saturday, September 10, 2005 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, 1225 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. Private inurnment. The family prefers that Chuck be remembered by memorial donations to Sutter/VNA Hospice, 1110 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401. DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 707-525-3730