Obituary of Richard H. Laabs

Richard H. Laabs, age 79, of Hawley died Thursday, June 24, 2010, at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale. He is survived by Dorothy Cocalas Laabs, his wife of 58 years. Born December 21, 1930, in Hawley, he was the son of the late Herman and Alice (Watson) Laabs. He was a graduate of Hawley High School and was an Army veteran. A retired contractor, he was also formerly employed by the Wayne County Housing Authority and was a home inspector in The Hideout. In addition, he was a former Palmyra Township supervisor. He was a 44-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Honesdale Lodge #218. A chicken fancier, he raised and showed his prize chickens at local county fairs. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, golf and enjoyed working around the family farm. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Donna Sanders and her husband Justin of Astoria, NY; three sons, Steven and his wife Robin of Binghamton, NY, Mitch of Hawley, and Brett and his wife Dottie Carver also of Hawley; a sister, Jean Gumble of Paupack; two grandchildren, Colten and Sydney Laabs; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 28, at 3:00 PM at Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, June 27, from 5 - 8 PM with a Masonic Service at 7:30 PM and on Monday, June 28, from 2 - 3 PM. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.