Richard Joseph Shappek, Sr., 79, of Front Royal, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the Warren Memorial Hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 24, at 11:00 a.m at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Jerome Fasano and the Most Reverend John Kudrick of Parma, Ohio. Burial will be at a later date in Wilmore, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Shappek was born on March 4, 1937 in Adams Township, Pennsylvania, son of the late Joseph Michael Shappek and Mary O. Kushlon Shappek. He served his country in the U. S. National Guard during the Korean War.

He worked for Wonder Bread and Hostess for 13 years, was an adult education teacher of upholstery and cabinet making for 10 years, and retired after 25 dedicated years of service as a cabinetmaker for the Architect of The Capitol.

Richard was truly an amazing man. He taught himself the art of carpentry, as he demonstrated his expertise in fine cabinet work and other pieces. Richard loved the outdoors, working in his garden, and his family. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Front Royal and served as usher for over 30 years.

Mr. Shappek was a member of S.N.P.J., the B.P.O.E. Lodge #2382 in Front Royal, and a member of the Warren County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.

Mr. Shappek was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Wilma Jayne Shappek.

Surviving are one daughter Suzann Shappek Robinson and husband Edouard of Front Royal; one son Richard “Joe” Shappek, Jr. of Buckhannon, West Virginia; his adopted son Keith Pomeroy of Front Royal; two sisters Gloria Novitski of Green Bay, Wisconsin and Darlene Rupert of Moon Township, Pennsylvania; and three grandchildren Barry Robinson, Makala Shappek, and Tressa Shappek.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m.