Obituaries

Richard E. Gmuca, 85

March 02, 2017

Richard E. Gmuca, of Millersville, also called “Dick” by his friends and “Skin” to his brothers and sisters, completed his life journey on Thursday, March 2, 2017 in the home of his daughter Lou Ann Gmuca and her life partner Dan W. Mylin. He would have been 86 years old on March 22.
Born in Johnstown, PA he was the son of the late Andrew and Helen (Friedman) Gmuca. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Komarnitzky (Link) Gmuca, his son Stephen Edward Gmuca, six brothers, and four sisters.
Richard joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 where he served as a fire controlman on the destroyer USS Harold J. Ellison during the Korean war and was honorably discharged in 1952. He attended Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology for four years and graduated in 1956. He was then employed by Lancaster Electric Company starting in 1952 and remained there for 13 years. He was then associated with Kroll Electric for 5 years and then started his own electrical contracting business for 23 years, retiring in 1993.
Richard was a member of the Electrical Association of Lancaster County, and was a member of the Willow Street Lions Club for 15 years. Richard attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
In addition to his daughter Lou Ann Gmuca, Richard is survived by one sister, Mary Ann Gmuca (Leonard) Townsend of Windsor, CT and three granddaughters; Jennifer L. married to Joe Groff of Willow Street, PA, Sarah J. Hamby life partner of Joshua Sites of New Providence, PA, and Stephanie E. M. married to David Craig of Mound, MN. Also, six great-grandchildren; Carter, Fiona, Carsen, Conner, Alice and Benjamin.
At the request of Richard and his family there will be no funeral service. A Memorial Mass will be said at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lancaster, PA at a later date. There will be a graveside memorial with military honors in April for friends and family.

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Condolences to the Family

December 29, 2018

I remember Richard fondly, having visited him a number of times over the years. He was warm with a good sense of humor. 

March 08, 2017

I worked with Vera Gmuca at Franklin & Marshall College, and through her I met Dick, who did electrical work at my home. He was a good man. I am sorry for your loss. – Dick Fluck

March 07, 2017

Sorry for your loss.you will be sadly missed. I’ll remember the time we enjoyed telling stories of our Johnstown roots will miss you Mr.Gmuca 🙁
 
           

March 07, 2017

Dear Lou Ann and family
 I was so sorry to hear of your dad/grandpaps passing. It’s never easy no matter the situation. I’ll never forget the good ole days when I would countdown the days until I would see u all!! So many great memories at the Gmuca homestead!! Our thought and prayers are with u all at this very difficult time. 
       With all our love, Coleen Connelly Helsel, Steve, Karch and Karson.    

March 07, 2017

Dear Lou Ann, Uncle Richard to us and “skin” to dad, we will miss him greatly. We would sit in the living room and chat. Then we would go down the road to their favorite restaurant. I loved the area that they lived in. Your dad and mine would have discussions-ha ha, but they were close. It won’t be the same. Thinking of you all. I have said prayers and lit a candle for your dad and mom. Our deepest sympathy goes to your family. Love you all, Cathy, David and Kelsey

March 07, 2017

Sorry for your loss.He was a nice man. Chrissi Fair

March 07, 2017

Dear Lou Ann and family,
We have reminisced with my mom over these past few days laughing at the old stories and the memories of Uncle Richard, Aunt Vera, you and Stephen. Our visits to Lancaster as well as the times in Johnstown certainly bring smiles, warm hearts and love for what we shared over the years, my favorites were always the family movies!!! Please accept our condolences and my mother sends her love. We love and miss you,
 
Aunt MaryAnn, Laura & Brenda

March 07, 2017

Lou Ann & Family.  Dick was a good tennis player and frequented the tennis center at The Host back in the 70’s & 80’s. It was always a Pleasure to see Dick & Vera and chat with them those many years ago. Certainly Dick & Vera a Great Couple to know and Remember as wonderful upstanding people.  Condolences, Paul & Kathy Harclerode – Lancaster 

March 07, 2017

Lou….so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I know how much he meant to you and it was such a blessing that he could be with and cared for by you in your home.
Condolences to your whole family, Betty Yoder

March 07, 2017

Dearest Lou Ann and family, I have such fond memories of uncle Richard and all of you! We loved our family “get togethers” and the times that we traveled to Lancaster and played cards and sang and talked for hours and hours, will always be held close to my heart. I also will hold close the very many times that uncle Richard and Aunt Vera came and stayed at my mom’s and we all gathered for “pigs, kielbasa, and halushki”. Pleas accept our condolences…your dad was always so very special to my mom and all of us. We love and miss you 
love,
Eric, Francine (Connelly), Quinn, Braydon, Jordyn, and Kaitlyn Griffith

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