Obituaries
Richard A. “Richie” Gobbo, Jr., 52
December 04, 2020
Richard A. “Richie” Gobbo, Jr., 52, of Ephrata, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 4, 2020.
Born March 23, 1968 in Levittown, PA, Richard was the son of Richard Sr. and Donna (Lipinski) Gobbo. Richard was a proud 1986 graduate of Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit, PA where he played baseball and basketball. Richard was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Above all and most notably, Richard cherished his family and enjoyed creating memories with them.
In addition to his parents, Richard is survived by two daughters: Hannah Gobbo-Surfus wife of Matt and Sophie Gobbo; a sister: Tracy Heckman wife of Todd; two nephews: Kyle Heckman and Michael Heckman; and a niece: Alison Heckman. He was preceded in death by his brother: Brian Gobbo.
A memorial service for Richard will be conducted privately. Pastor Mark Thiboldeaux will officiate. Inurnment will take place at St. Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard’s honor can be made to the Water Street Rescue Mission, 210 S. Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603.
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Condolences to the Family
December 11, 2020
To the Gobbo Family,
My deepest sympathies to your family during this difficult time. Rich was a year ahead of me at Abington Heights but we were buddies. Today I looked through old photos and found a bunch that Rich was in and it brought a big smile reflecting on so many good times. He was genuinely a nice guy. I will keep your family in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Melissa Siket Ouari
December 11, 2020
To the Gobbo family,
I am so sorry to hear about Rich’s passing. He was one of the smartest and funniest people I’ve ever met. We had a lot of Great times together over the years. I was lucky to have a chance to hook up with him a few times in Cincinnati. I feel like I got to know Hannah and Sophie as he would spend most of the night talking about “his girls”. One of the All Time Great people to come out of Abington Heights. He will be sorely missed!
John McNulty
December 10, 2020
Mr. and Mrs. Gobbo, Tracy, Hannah and Sophie I am so very sorry for your loss, prayers for strength and comfort go to your family during this difficult time. So many fond memories, most of all was Richie’s infectious personality and big smile he brought to the class 1986! My deepest Sympathy.
Lori Jo Reese (Pacyna)
December 10, 2020
To his family, so sorry for your loss. Rich was a great classmate. To the rest of our class, it is sad the number of class members and friends we have lost. Be strong and live life.
Rich Floyd
December 10, 2020
To the Gobbo family,
This is so sad to hear of Rich’s passing. I remember Rich being the new kid in middle school and how quickly he made friends because of his witty sense of humor. Many great times playing pickup basketball games, some very fun high school years and was so happy to connect with him over Facebook this summer. We caught up on 30 years of life over the summer and connected on how great life is having two wonderful daughters. Amazing how time goes by but so glad we were able to reminisce and I look forward to seeing him and catching up once again in the future. My deepest condolences to your entire family.
Joe Palonis
December 09, 2020
Rich or better was always helpful and just fun to be around. Rich had a big personaility that could bring anyone out of feeling down. He was protective of others and even when he didn’t agree with things, he would still respect it. He was a great guy to be around and He will be missed. Prayers for the family in this hard time. I’m sorry for you loss.
Sean
December 09, 2020
Rich was my upstairs neighbor. i considered him a good friend. He always made us laugh ,gave us always a smile and if we looked down he joke to make us laugh. My grandson elijah loved him he could make him smile like no other. My dauggter violet really liked his red KIA and she always told him u gonna let me take ur car for a spin. Lol she loved his car and jokes. I wish i had more time to get to know him on a more personal level he woulda been a great added bonus to my family. We always limed rich apartment he was so clean and matched everything i was jelous lol. He was a great guy and so sad hes gone. Noone shoukd go out like he did . i miss u RIP
Susanna Mcfadden
December 09, 2020
Susanna mcfadden
December 09, 2020
I did not know Richie myself, but my daughter, Susanna McFadden and her husband John became friends a few months ago. He lived in apt. above them. They spoke well of him and will miss him greatly. Heaven is brighter today and someday we will all rejoice together. I extend my sympathies and prayers to his family. I too know the pain of the passing of a son. My heart hurts for you both. mom and dad, You have experienced in he passing of two sons. Grace and strength and comfort to both of you. Rosemary Carpenter5zRo
December 08, 2020
Mr. & Mrs. Gobbo, Tracy, Hannah & Sophie, I send my deepest sympathies to you at this very sad time.
Rich & I went to high school and had lots of fun being crazy kids and just living the carefree and loved life that few can enjoy today. Rich was always a bright star, larger than life with a crazy laugh that worked well for him. My heart is heavier knowing of his passing. Sadly, too many from our class are gone too soon. Be strong and know we are there in spirit, supporting with words of care and happy memories in your time of grief.
Jody Jackman
December 08, 2020
Mr. and Mrs. Gobbo, Tracy and Richie’s daughters,
I am so very sad to hear of Rich’s passing. Some of my best childhood memories were playing basketball with Richie. We were back court teammates for the OLS CYO team and had a ton of fun. Richie always put a smile on my face and had me laughing.
This summer I reconnected with Rich on facebook after nearly 30 years. We traded a number of messages on Facebook and caught up. What Rich made very clear was how much he loved and was extremely proud he was of his girls.
My sympathy to you all.
Gary Taiariol