Obituary for Richard "Rich" A. DeBrasky
Richard A. DeBrasky, 88, of Bellefonte, passed away at home on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Born on July 23, 1934 in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Andrew and Dorothy (Spicer) DeBrasky. On January 30, 1954, in Winchester, Virginia, he married the love of his life, Leona E. (Morrison) DeBrasky, who preceded him in death on January 21, 2017, after sharing nearly 63 years of marriage together.
Rich was a 1953 graduate of Bellefonte High School. After graduating, he started his career with Houser Vending, where he was affectionately known as “Doctor D” because he was always one who could fix just about anything. He continued his employment with Houser Vending for many years until his retirement.
He is survived by his four children, Corinne Bettger (Jack) of Engelwood, Florida, Susan Johnson (Rick) of Moose Run, Beth Hollobaugh (Don) of State College, and Deanna Thomas (Blake) of Milesburg, eight grandchildren: Dan Johnson, Karen King, Christopher Hollobaugh, Eric Hollobaugh, Allison Hollobaugh, Morgan Barnard, Tyson Thomas, and Cristina Leeper, and eight great grandchildren, with one more on the way. Also surviving is a brother, Joseph DeBrasky.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Morrison.
Rich lived his life to the fullest, packing it full with many hobbies throughout the years. As a woodworker, he was always proud of the home that he built for he and his family, and his log cabin shed, which was featured in Popular Mechanics magazine. An avid collector of Case Knives and Red Ryder BB Guns, he was eager to share that love with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rich and Leona loved their annual trips to Ocean City, Maryland throughout the years. After Leona’s passing in 2017, he looked forward to continuing that tradition with his daughters. Johnny Cash was his idol. He loved his music and even resembled his idol. He got a kick of being told that he resembled Johnny Cash as a young man. After turning 88 last summer, he would get a good laugh being able to respond to the “how old are you” question by saying “how many keys does a piano have?!” He loved his family more than anything and all week he would look forward to his daily visits with his sister-in-law, Pat DeBrasky, and the Sunday visits with his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A loving husband, adoring father, and doting Pap, he leaves behind countless memories and a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
Rich was a 1953 graduate of Bellefonte High School. After graduating, he started his career with Houser Vending, where he was affectionately known as “Doctor D” because he was always one who could fix just about anything. He continued his employment with Houser Vending for many years until his retirement.
He is survived by his four children, Corinne Bettger (Jack) of Engelwood, Florida, Susan Johnson (Rick) of Moose Run, Beth Hollobaugh (Don) of State College, and Deanna Thomas (Blake) of Milesburg, eight grandchildren: Dan Johnson, Karen King, Christopher Hollobaugh, Eric Hollobaugh, Allison Hollobaugh, Morgan Barnard, Tyson Thomas, and Cristina Leeper, and eight great grandchildren, with one more on the way. Also surviving is a brother, Joseph DeBrasky.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Morrison.
Rich lived his life to the fullest, packing it full with many hobbies throughout the years. As a woodworker, he was always proud of the home that he built for he and his family, and his log cabin shed, which was featured in Popular Mechanics magazine. An avid collector of Case Knives and Red Ryder BB Guns, he was eager to share that love with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rich and Leona loved their annual trips to Ocean City, Maryland throughout the years. After Leona’s passing in 2017, he looked forward to continuing that tradition with his daughters. Johnny Cash was his idol. He loved his music and even resembled his idol. He got a kick of being told that he resembled Johnny Cash as a young man. After turning 88 last summer, he would get a good laugh being able to respond to the “how old are you” question by saying “how many keys does a piano have?!” He loved his family more than anything and all week he would look forward to his daily visits with his sister-in-law, Pat DeBrasky, and the Sunday visits with his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A loving husband, adoring father, and doting Pap, he leaves behind countless memories and a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.