Richard E. Gdovin, Sr., 80 of Shavertown, passed away Thursday morning, January 19, 2017 at his home with his family by his side.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Andrew and Hilda (Aton) Gdovin.

Dick was a graduate of Hanover High School, Class of 1954, and was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Airman 1st Class. He was employed as an optician for Balester Optical Co. of Wilkes-Barre for 38 years, until his retirement. He was a Life Member of the Shavertown Fire Department, serving from 1977 to 1991, where he served as 1st Assistant Chief , Assistant Chief, and lastly as Fire Chief, until his retirement from the department. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Dallas, PA. Dick was a model train enthusiast and passed on his love of hunting and fishing to his sons. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports and was famous for taking them on tractor rides around the yard.

Preceding him in death are his Sisters Margurite Flamish and Anna Dungey and his Brother George Gdovin.

Surviving are his Wife of 56 years the former Lois (Buss) Gdovin, Daughter Diane Flaherty and her Husband Patrick, Dallas; Sons Richard Gdovin and his Wife Debi, Wilkes-Barre, and Ross Gdovin and his Wife Jessica, Henderson, Nevada; grandchildren, Jessica, Sara, Griffin, Ryan, Aiden and Ethan, Nephew Tim Gdovin, Kingston.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 23, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Luthern Church, 474 Yalick Road Dallas, PA 18612, with Rev. Charles H. Grube, Pastor, officiating. Interment with military honors accorded by the U.S. Air Force will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Pioneer Avenue, Shavertown.

Family and Friends may call Monday morning from 9:30 am until 11 am at St. Paul’s Church.

The family request that flowers be ommitted and Donations if desired be made to St. Paul’s Church, 474 Yalick Road, Dallas, PA 18612.