Obituary of Richard Alan Derabasse

Richard Alan Derabasse, 65, of Port Matilda, died unexpectedly on July 12, 2021, in Bedford, PA, his former hometown. Born on January 19, 1956, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Arthur R. Derabasse, and Marjery A. Derabasse, who survives. He was a graduate of Bedford High School and of Slippery Rock University with a degree in Business Administration. On October 25, 1980, he married his high school sweetheart Margaret "Marnie" McIntyre Derabasse, who also survives.

Richard and Marnie started married life in State College where he began his business, Nittany Locksmith Shop. He always had a love for automobiles and tinkering with fixer-uppers, and he had "old-school" knowledge of all things mechanical. He specialized in locksmith work for a wide variety of car makes and models. He was a kind, good-natured person who always stopped to help someone trying to change a tire on the side of a road or in any other situation where he could be of help. He played a mean game of tennis in his high school and college days and was a very good skier. Richard and Marnie had the travel bug and bought a timeshare in St. Thomas, USVI, on their honeymoon, which inspired many vacations there and in many other places with family and friends. He loved to get a great bargain and became known among his friends as the President of the "Tightwadders Club". Richard loved to cook and was not only the reliable and skilled driver of the Penn State tailgating RV but also grilled the hot dogs to perfection. His life was also made richer by the love of pets from childhood dogs to later years with the menagerie of cats, including his favorite buddy, Teddy, the tuxedo cat.

In addition to his wife and mother, Richard is survived by his daughter, Kristin L. Derabasse, of Port Matilda, who was inspired by him to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer. He is also survived by his brother Brian Derabasse, of Bedford. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel J. Derabasse.

A visitation for Richard will be from 5 until 7 p.m., on Friday, July 23, 2021 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m., on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the funeral home with the Reverend Ron Miller officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Centre County United Way, 126 W. Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guestbook may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.