Richard Arthur Pakkala

Richard A. Pakkala of Arapahoe, NC passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at age 80. Known affectionately as “Dick” to his friends, “Coach” to his students, and “Papa Dickie” to his grandchildren – he passed after a 17 year battle with inclusion body myositis.

Born June 18, 1940, Dick was preceded in death by his parents Betty Lou Van Kirk Pakkala and Elmer Pakkala, both of Newfield, NY and by his eldest daughter, Diane Pakkala Dibble.

A 1958 graduate of Newfield High School, he excelled at Baseball, Football, Track and Basketball, and went on to graduate from Ithaca College in 1963. Dick married E. Georgette Pulos, of Bath, NY on March 24, 1962.  He began a teaching and coaching career in Watkins Glen, NY,  and traveled to Cicero, NY before settling in Van Etten, NY where he and Georgette had three children.

Dick’s teaching and football coaching career spanned close to 30 years. He led the 1 ^st combined Spencer-Van Etten Panthers to an IAC Championship in 1967, in football. He continued to coach at S-VE until 1977 when he moved on to Cornell University where he coached the backs and Special Teams for the Lightweight Football program. After he retired from teaching, Dick continued his coaching career with a position with Dick Richter Summer Bowling Camps through 2003.  Dick truly loved coaching and mentoring young students and athletes.  He was inducted into the S-VE Hall of Fame in 2015.

Dick and Georgette moved to Minnesott Beach, NC in 1995.

Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Georgette, and their 2 children Kimberly Trabucco (Tom) of Franklin TN, and Jason Pakkala (Sara) of Tucson, AZ.  One son-in-law, Daryl Dibble of Van Etten, NY. Six grandchildren - Justin Riker (Wilmington, NC), Maggie Trabucco (New York, NY), Joseph Trabucco (Dothan, AL), Cassie Trabucco, (Franklin, TN), Dalton Pakkala (San Francisco, CA), and Hailey Pakkala (Tucson, AZ).

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family will not have a public memorial service at this time. They look forward to celebrating his life in June 2021, at his gravesite in North Van Etten, NY (restrictions permitting – additional information forthcoming).  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the D2 Pakkala-Dibble Scholarship Fund, which assists students from Spencer-Van Etten in furthering their education.

For more information on the services planned or to receive contact information, please email [email protected] .