Richard "Zabo" Zapotosky

Richard “Zabo” Zapotsky

June 20, 2026

“I’ll spare you the details”
Richard “Zabo” Zapotosky, 65, of Hazleton, died on June 20th, 2026, at his home.
Born in Bethesda, Maryland, he was the son of the late Joseph Zapotosky and Barbara Hawkins. He is survived by a loving daughter Vanessa “Misette” Zapotosky, son Jason Zapotosky and many grandchildren. Richard was a kind man, and the world was not so kind in return.

Ricky is preceded in death by a brother Robert Zapotosky, and sister Sharon Lee Miller, he is survived by one brother, Charles E Miller III. He graduated from Del Haas High School and graduated from Mercer County Community College with an associate’s degree in psychology. In the late 80’s he worked for GM, then decided to take up a career in painting, starting his own business called ‘Topaz Painting”, which was short lived due to life’s hardships.
He loved to collect knick knacks, pictures, most of all books.  His books were his prized possessions.
He was an avid speed reader, enjoyed playing pool, and typing on an old-fashioned typewriter! He would rather write a letter, then make a phone call.
He could strike up a conversation with anyone, whether it be about the logo on your T-shirt or a tattoo on your arm, it reminded him of something, and he had a story to tell. Ricky loved to talk!
He maintained a simple life, he didn’t need much and asked for even less. He loved his children and grandchildren very much.

I would like to thank everyone at the Heartwood Center, for giving my father a place to go and helping him without asking for anything in return. You were the kindest to him when he needed it the most.

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