Obituary of Richard Kobal

Richard Robert Kobal, 80, of Indian Land, SC passed away peacefully on February 15, 2013 at his home. Rich was born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 3, 1932 to Mirko and Mary Kobal. He graduated from Hampton High School in Allison Park, PA. After school, Mr. Kobal served his beloved country for 3 years in the U.S. Navy. In 1958, Rich married LaVerne Constance Kaminski. Rich and Laverne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2008. Mr. Kobal leaves behind his beloved family: daughter, Deborah Ann Schon and husband, M. Richard Schon, of York, PA; son, Richard Robert Kobal, Jr. and wife, Megan McCullough Kobal, of Charlotte, NC. Pop Pop will be missed dearly by his 5 loving grandchildren, Mathew, Abby, and Lauryn Schon of York, PA and Noah & Grace of Charlotte, NC. Rich is preceded in his passing by his loving wife, LaVerne Kobal, along with older sisters, Louise Tripson and Dorothy Croft Safford. Rich lived a life full of dedication and hard work. He and LaVerne went from being a dual working couple in the late 1950's to being blessed with two healthy children that they loved and raised. For much of his career, he worked two jobs, day and night, to provide for his family. Rich loved to travel -- good memories exist from family trips to Acapulco, Disney World, Florida beaches, and Atlantic City. As a Pittsburgh native, Rich was a die-hard Black & Gold fan. He missed using a 1960 ticket to the Mazeroski game due to work (dedicated always) but was in the stadium to the watch the Immaculate Reception in 1972. After retirement, Rich and LaVerne fulfilled a dream of moving to Southern climates. His son's family was blessed to have weekly lunch and dinner dates with Rich. The entire family has wonderful memories of our last Christmas together with Pop Pop. Rich taught his children well through his actions about many core life principles -- commitment to your spouse through 52 years of marriage and care-giving, love of children, and the value of hard work. Rich will be missed by all who knew him. His children are just happy that he was our Dad.