Richard Dapko

Richard Dapko, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Northampton, Pennsylvania, on June 16, 2025.

He was the beloved husband of Deborah Bohn Oates Dapko, with whom he shared 19 years of marriage. Born and raised in Easton, Pennsylvania, Rich graduated from Easton High School in 1963. He dedicated his life to public service, beginning as a career firefighter with the Easton Fire Department in 1970 and proudly serving the community until his retirement in 2005. Prior to that, he worked at Continental Motors and was a devoted school bus driver for many years. Rich also donated his time to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where his late son Matthew had received treatment.  He was also an active member of the Bath Rod and Gun Club and the International Association of Firefighters.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his daughter, Jennifer Dapko, PhD, of Florida; his son, R. Jason Dapko, PhD, of North Carolina; and his step children Keith Oates Jr. of Pennsylvania; Deborah and Mark Flynn of New Jersey; Kimberly Oates of Virginia; Jill and Chad Glatfelter of Pennsylvania; and Meggan and Ryan Werkheiser of Pennsylvania. One of Richard’s greatest joys was his role as a grandfather to three granddaughters, Sarah, Madelyn and Erin and seven grandsons, Craig, Keith, Sean, Cooper, Callen, Liam and Finn, each of whom he loved dearly. Richard was predeceased by his young son, Matthew E. Dapko; his brother, Michael Dapko and his parents, Michael B. Dapko and Stella Abakan

A service to honor Richard’s life will be held at Finegan Funeral Home 4080 William Penn Highway, Easton, Pennsylvania on Sunday June 22, 2025 at 4 PM. Prior to the service, there will be calling hours from 1 to 4 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley www.pcflv.org, an organization close to Richard’s heart or Lehigh Valley Hospice www.lvhn.org

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.