Herman Richard “Dick” Zapf, 80, of Stroudsburg, Penn. died Aug. 7 at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. He was the beloved husband of Elsie (Proper) Zapf, with whom he recently celebrated 26 years of marriage. Dick and Elsie were long time summer residents of Jefferson on Damariscotta Lake until recent years.
Born on March 14, 1928 in Secaucus, N.J., he was a son of the late Herman and Josephine Zapf. Dick grew up in Lincoln Park, N.J. and graduated from Boonton High School. During WWII he served with the U.S. Navy in the Philippine Islands and on the aircraft carrier, USS Boxer. He attended Newark College of Engineering before joining New York Telephone, AT&T and then Bell Communications Research. He retired as Director of Corporate Security after a career of 37 years in the Bell System.
Dick was Lincoln Park’s first appointed police director, he served on the Lincoln Park School Board and had been an active Boy Scout leader. He was a life-member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, belonged to Lincoln Park Post 279 American Legion and Lodge 154, Free & Accepted Masons, Mt. View, N.J. Dick had been a volunteer driver on the Daffodil Express for the American Cancer Society in Monroe County. He had also been active in civic affairs for the Boro of Stroudsburg. He had a great love for trains and belonged to various train restoration organizations.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and enjoyed time with his family. His hobbies included doing home improvements, reading, gourmet cooking and his love for trains. Dick was always ready to help others whenever needed.
In addition to his wife Elsie, he is survived by a brother, David Zapf; son, Thomas Zapf; daughter, Donna Mateyka; two granddaughters, Michelle and Christina Mateyka; two step sons, Mark Rice and wife Karen and their children, Robert and Matthew, and Michael Rice and his daughter, Barbara Rice; and granddaughter, Kayla Messex.
Dick chose to donate his body to the Humanity Gifts Registry in Philadelphia.
Memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
The family requests that donations be made to the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, attention: volunteer services, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711.
