Paul Vacula

Paul Vincent Vacula, 69, died on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 at his home in Ocala, Florida. Paul was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on February 24th, 1949, to Mary and Paul Vacula Senior, Tuscarora, Pennsylvania. His mother Mary died in June 1949. He was raised by his grandmother, Ellen Norris, until she passed away when Paul was 6. He then lived with his Uncle Vince and Aunt Anna Norris. As a kid (and as an adult), Paul loved sports. Along with baseball and basketball, he played football throughout his school years, thoroughly enjoying being at the helm as quarterback. Graduating from Saint Clair High School in 1967, "Goose" earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education history at Kutztown University and then went on to earn a master's degree at Wilkes University. Paul was a United Mine Worker until he became a middle school social studies teacher and a high school assistant basketball coach for Blue Mountain School District in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. He spent many years enjoying the Xs and Os of basketball with many wonderful people, while also reffing with his PIAA Anthracite football crew, and umpiring baseball and softball games. Paul (also referred to lovingly by his family as "Clark Griswald") loved traveling and taking his family in the van to see "The World's Largest, Tallest, Most Unique" spots in the U.S. He loved visiting historical locations and sports arenas. His most loved destinations were the coast of Oregon and the redwood forests of California. Once he retired to Florida with his wife Rita, Paul spent countless hours sprucing up his decades-old golf cart ("The Beater") to hit the links with new friends (while missing golfing with many of his old pals back in the County). Besides traveling and sports, "Big Buddy" loved landscaping. Not only would he landscape his own house, he'd landscape family and friends' yards - sometimes without having been asked. After his chores were done, he loved nothing more than taking his iron pony out to enjoy any back country road that he could find, never wanting to see the same spot twice. Besides his parents and aunt and uncle, Paul was pre-deceased by his stepmom Roselle Vacula. He is survived by his wife, Rita, to whom he was married on September 14, 1974; daughters Amy (Chris), Oklahoma, and Lauren (Rabih), Virginia; sister Ellen Ann (Bruce) Schmauch, Nevada; brother Rick Vacula, Pennsylvania; niece Nicole (Bret) Pental, South Carolina; sister-in-law Rosemary (Nick) Kozura, Florida; and his cherished grandkitty that he loved kitty-sitting, Frankie "Cuppercake" Vacula.Paul will be missed by many for his friendship, fun-loving attitude, and unwavering free spirit. But perhaps the biggest footprint Paul leaves is with the hearts of those who were lucky enough to get to know his kindness, undying love, and constant support. Rest in peace sweet Dad. Be safe riding up there, Big Buddy. We will honor your legacy and we love you forever. A ceremony will be held in Schuylkill Haven at a later date.

Paul Vacula

February 24, 1949 - February 10, 2019