Obituary of Richard VanPelt

Richard Carlton VanPelt of Vestal Richard Carlton VanPelt, 69, died December 14, 2008 following a brief illness. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Pearl VanPelt; and mother and father-in-law, Marjorie and Ivan Bryden. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 47 years, Judy; his son, William and Jill VanPelt, Binghamton; daughter, Jill and William Danilich, Richmond, Vt.; and grandsons, Andrew, Bryden, Christopher and Dylan. He is also survived by his sisters, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Roberta and William Hess, Big Flats, N.Y., Lois and David Setter, Marana, Ariz., Donna and Curt Wood, Endicott, Betty Bryden and Tom Canouse, Montrose, Pa.; ten nieces and nephews, their spouses and many children; longtime family friend, Peter West, Vestal; and furry friends, Pickles and Spencer. Dick recently retired as a driver and driver trainer for 1st Student Transportation of Binghamton. He led a life full of varied interests with expertise and delight in all he did. He was well-known locally as a bassist who played everything from the classics to jazz to the polka. He was a Boy Scout Counselor, a marching band instructor and a NASCAR photographer for the Pocono International Raceway. Dick gave 100% to his interests and shared his knowledge easily with others. He will be missed by friends and family alike for his sage council and quick wit. The family of Dick VanPelt is so sad to lose him at this time of year which he so dearly loved, but they have been blessed to know a gentle man who truly knew how to keep Christmas in his heart all year. Dick's family would like to thank the nurses and support staff of Seton 1, the ICU and dialysis teams at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and the special care of Doctors M. Capparuccini, M. McCarville, S. Jamil, W. Piller, J.S. Rai, M. Khan, and the other fine physicians who cared so kindly for him. The family will receive friends at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main St., Vestal, N.Y., Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. followed immediately with burial at Vestal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dick's memory to Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, N.C. 27317; or Project Paw, Bevier St., Binghamton. Type Obit Here