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Lance Vaccaro Obituary
Lance was born in 1972 in Reading, graduated from Oley Valley High School in 1990, attended Kutztown University for one year and enlisted in the Navy in 1991.
He became a member of an elite Navy SEAL team and was a veteran of several missions to Afghanistan and Iraq. During his 12 years as a SEAL, he achieved the rank of chief petty officer and was involved in training SEALS at the time of his death.
Although a veteran of more than 300 parachute jumps, he died during a parachute training session at a military training facility in Arizona.
Lance is survived by his loving companion, Rebecca Whitbeck, Virginia Beach; his mother, Christine (Pohl) Vaccaro; his father, Joseph Vaccaro; his maternal aunt, Michele Pohl; his maternal uncle, Norbert Pohl and wife, Mary.
On the Vaccaro side, Lance is survived by aunts: Micaline, Clara, Angeline and husband, Leroy; Josephine and husband, Nick; Millie and husband, Mort; Jeanie and husband, Jack; and Antonette and husband, Bruce; and by uncles: Angelo, Samuel, John and Anthony and wife, Carol.
Lance also is survived by a stepsister, Joel Watkins; two stepbrothers, John and Brian Watkins; and stepfather, Chuck Watkins.
Services will be Friday at 11 a.m. in Bean Funeral Homes, 3825 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring. Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery. Friends will be received Thursday 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home.
Lance left written instructions that there be no flowers at his funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, PO Box 5965, Virginia Beach, VA, 23471. NSW Foundation is a civilian charitable organization that aids children and families of fallen Naval Special Warfare Veterans.
Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, Sinking Spring, is in charge of arrangements. Online contributions may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lance Vaccaro
Barbara Cummings
May 31, 2020
Lance.
Your history, your strength never forgotten. Never knew you only if you from an obit in paper and carried you with me as would a mother. Blessing.
ITC(SW/PJ) Crupi
March 15, 2008
To the Vaccaro family, friends. and teammates. I extend my deepest condolences during this tragic time. I had the privilege of going through "transition" with Lance a few years back. At the time he was injured and as a member of his community he was not obligated to endure this process. Lance took this training opportunity head on and led the way from start to finish. He showed us what it meant to lead from the front. "I will never forget"
Kristin Allen (Weidner)
March 13, 2008
To Lance's Family-
I've known Lance since about the time we were in 4th grade together! Who could have imagined that the Lance we all knew and loved in the OVHS Class of 1990 would go on to become such a hero to our entire country. As the president of the Class of 1990, I'd like to say how proud we are to have had Lance as one of our classmates. You could always count on him to make you smile. I'd like to express my sincere sympathy to your family in this time of sorrow.
Jeffrey Miller
March 13, 2008
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Lance's family. I had the honor of being one of Lance's LPO's on the USS George Washington. We always were amazed by his desire to excell and become a SEAL. He was and always will be remembered as one of the Best of the Best.
ISC Jeffrey Miller, USN-Ret
Sean Sharp
March 13, 2008
I was stunned when I heard the news about Lance. I went to high school with Lance and we had talked a few times over the years after graduation but didn't really stay connected. I am very saddened by his passing. I am keeping Lance, his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. I am very proud to have known Lance.
Barbara....an employee of Malibu Tanning
March 13, 2008
To the Family:
No words can ease your pain, but may your memories comfort you at this unbelieveably difficult time. While hard to lose a loved one, much more so when they are so young. I did not know Lance, but he has seemed to accomplish a lot in his short time here on Earth; all the while doing something he was very passionate about .... just MORE of a hero in MY eyes. I thank him and may God Bless his heart and your family.
Catrina Stump (Valeriano)
March 12, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Lance. I graduated with Lance and sat next to him for years in school (he was stuck with me because of our last names). He always had a pencil and paper with him drawing his crazy pictures. I am so proud of Lance and his accomplishments since high school. Who knew a guy from OVHS could make the country proud!!! My thoughts are with your family.
Charles Corbett Jr.
March 12, 2008
Dear Vaccaro and Watkins Family & Ms. Whitbeck:
I offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of Lance. As a fellow Chief in the SPECWAR community I can tell you that every loss is felt deeply. While not knowing Lance personally, I have been honored to work closely with men like him for over 12 years. What Lance did as a profession was dangerous in training as well as in combat. The thoughts I have read show that he was a special person, well liked for his courage and inate good qualities. The world is emptier with his passing but infinitely better for having had him with us even for a short time.
God bless.
MM Gardiner
March 12, 2008
My heart breaks for Lance's family, because I know the pain, disbelief and shock they must feel. We lost our dear Tom Valentine in the same unthinkable way and my sincere condolences to all those who loved Lance. I can only say that these SEALS are amazing heroes and patriots and we should all be thankful for their many sacrifices.
I hope you find some peace in your heart, I know it is a hard road you are traveling.
SEAL Mom
March 12, 2008
The entire Navy SEAL community, all of the team members and their families mourn Lance's passing. This tragedy is so heart wrenching. I shall pray for your son every day and may you find peace in knowing that he is an American hero.
Bethany (Moyer) Hoover
March 12, 2008
Dear Vaccaro Family & Ms. Whitbeck:
I am sorry to hear of your tragic loss. I attended high school and also Kutztown University with Lance. I still remember the day when Lance came up to me in the KU library and told me that he was joining the Navy and wanted to be a SEAL. I am proud of him for making this dream come true and for serving his country. May your heart be light and comforted by reading these notes and by knowing that your loved one touched so many people in a positive way. May God Bless and Comfort you during this difficult time.
Nicki (Messner) Vandevort
March 12, 2008
My husband and I also graduated with Lance. We are so grateful for his visit this past December. He was a brave man, with a unique sense of humor and a kind soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.
Dierdre (Hoppes)Reinert
March 12, 2008
My thoughts are with you in this time of loss. I too graduated high school with Lance. Unfortunately, I had not seen Lance since our graduation day. God bless Lance and God be with you and your family at this difficult time.
Lynn and Jim Ramsey
March 12, 2008
We have been saddened by the untimely death of Lance. It's hard to believe. He and my son, Bryan Jennings, deployed together twice and he spend some time at Bryan and Maritza's while I would be visiting, so I got to enjoy his quirky sense of humor. My heart goes out to Lance's parents. I, too, lost a son and know the hole that is left in your heart. Becky and Lance's parents have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless Lance.
Phil Versace
March 12, 2008
Dear Joe and Family,
I was saddened to hear of your son's passing. I never met Lance, but in talking with you I know how proud you were of him. I will keep Lance and you in my prayers.
Danny Bieber Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd class USN (1992-1996)
March 11, 2008
To Lances' Family:
I knew Lance in high school and knew of his various accomplishments in the Naval Special Warefare community. Lance was a true inspiration to regular enlisted sailors like myself. He set a huge goal and "we" all knew he would succeed in it. It saddens me deeply that this great american had to leave us. I pray for you and all whom are personally effected by this tragic loss. I personally felt privleged to know him in school and even more so to have him defend our freedoms first hand. God bless you Lance. Peace be with you forever.
MARISA HENDERSON
March 11, 2008
from friend and fellow classmate: Ill never forget our ski club trips to vermont & canada,trips to the movies w/dan & ali & the roadrunner,art trips to NYC, how you had a different car every month & we raced on oley roads listening to Danzig.You always kept in touch where ever I was & remained a true friend.Im so proud to hear of all your accomplishments.Thanks for all the memories, you will be greatly missed...RIP
Jason Moyer
March 11, 2008
My sympathies go out to Lance's family and loved ones.
I also graduated with Lance in 1990 and he was part of my small pack of guys that hung out together. I am so proud to hear his accomplishments. Although we didn't cross paths too often, the word always found its way back to me about his success. It makes me miss the days of riding motorcycles and playing "Car Wars".
Lance will be missed...
Eva M Rissler
March 11, 2008
You do not know me but, I just want you to know that I am praying for you, that God would be your comfort and strength during this difficult time. I also want to thank you for being there for him as he served this great country, the United States of America! May God Bless You and may God Bless America.
carol wasser
March 11, 2008
joe and chris
my thoughts are with you ,i remember Lance as a great little boy
I'm so sorry
Carl Garman
March 11, 2008
To Lance's family:
I am deeply saddened by your loss. I graduated with Lance at Oley in 1990 and that was actually the last time I saw Lance. When I heard on the news about the accident and that he was a Navy Seal I was over-whelmed. I just wanted you to know that I am proud to have known this man who gave his life for our country. I will always remember him as a good friend. Your family will be in my prayers. May God bless him and our country.
Geri Vaccaro
March 11, 2008
To Chris and Joe
I am so sorry to hear about your wonderful son Lance. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray every day that your hearts may be healed somehow.
Julie Hassler ( Roberts)
March 11, 2008
TO Joel
I am so sorry to hear about your step brother, my son is also a paratrooper with the Army Infantry/ Airborne Divison currently stationed in Afghanistan. Your brothers dedication and honor to fight for what he so believe in doing to protect so many will never go unapprieciated.
May God Bless the entire family during this time . Peace be with you all .
Kathleen Fegley
March 11, 2008
Dear Lance Vaccaro family;
I live here in Marana, Arizona - not far from Pinal Air Park where your son tragically perished in a free-fall accident last Thursday. The desert here has been glorious, with poppies and lupines carpeting the mountains and desert floor as far as the eye can see. Where your son was stationed he lived in the middle of this surrounding beauty, and I wanted you to know that. Those of us who live here make an effort to watch and pray for our soldiers as they parachute. Sometimes I find myself holding my breath or looking away because I am frightened for them, other times I watch calmly through binoculars, or pull over and wait until all are accounted for and on the ground safely. Never, ever are these soldiers alone in this vast wilderness, and I wanted you to know that. Your son is our son, and we grieve his tragic passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Shane Strause
March 11, 2008
The untimely death of Lance is hard to digest. It is hard to find out you just lost a friend, and a shipmate. Lance was a great friend of mine in High School. His father always seemed to find him the coolest cars to drive from his car lot. We both joined the Navy at the same time way back in 1991. His dream was to become a SEAL, and he did it. It is people like Lance that keep this great country going, and give us the freedom we have. He was a great man, and will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family in Reading PA, and his Girlfriend VA Beach.
Shane Strause
Avation Warfare Systems Operator Second Class
USN 1991-1999
Harold & Marilyn Werley
March 11, 2008
Our thoughts are with you. Gary's memory will be embraced forever in the Navy Seal Museum here in Ft. Pierce, Fl. We are formally from Reading, living in Port St. Lucie, Fl. Hap & Marilyn Werley
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