Rich Abdalla

Richard (Rich) Abdalla, of Scranton, died peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, March 10, at the Moosic home of his twin brother Michael. For the last few months of his life, Rich gratefully resided with his brother.

A beloved coach and teacher, Rich’s friends could find him enjoying his mornings at the donut shop, walking Lake Scranton or the River Trail, golfing at Lakeland with Red, and in recent years, enjoying a cigar on his front porch.

Rich was born on May 20, 1939, to the late Mary and George Abdalla. He was proud to have been born 10 minutes earlier than his twin brother. The twins and their brother Pete shared many adventures in childhood and throughout their lives.

Rich taught at Bishop Klonowski, coaching cross country. He also taught mathematics at Scranton Prep and coached the girls’ basketball team. Rich graduated from Scranton Prep in 1957 and from the University of Scranton in 1961. He was a member of the ROTC and served in the U.S. Army. He also earned a degree in Phys. Ed. from East Stroudsburg University.

His last several years, Rich was lovingly cared for by his niece, Mary Jo Sheridan, who would patiently help him with daily tasks and always made his day with her smile.

He is survived by his brothers Peter of Orlando, Florida, and Michael of Moosic; his former wife Kathy Hartnett Abdalla, Moosic; his daughter Marion Abdalla of Summerville, South Carolina; granddaughters Danielle Kobulsky and Stephanie Kobulsky; his son George and his wife Jenny of Moosic; grandchildren Tyra Rojtas and husband Ryan, and Alexa Rahdar and husband Bavard; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly.

A memorial Mass for Rich will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish at St. Joseph’s in Scranton.

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