Richard J. Vajda

June 22, 1938 - February 14, 2021

Richard J. Vajda, born June 22, 1938, passed away at his home on February 14, 2021 at the age of 82. Richard had a full and happy life, with many friends and family. He is survived by his longtime companion, Nancy Ammons and her granddaughter Faith (husband Johnathan) - whom they both raised- and his previous wife Dolores and their three sons together: Joseph (wife Stephanie), John (wife Sue), and James (girlfriend Kelly). He is also survived by 2 sisters, 1 brother, and 10 grandchildren who, in turn, gave him 12 great-grandchildren. Richard was proud of his family and spoke about them to anyone who would listen, often tearing up at the happy memories he shared with them. Richard graduated from the FBI academy and retired as the Harrisburg Chief of Police in 1988. He was proud of the work he did there and the legacy he left behind, and he remained close to his police fraternity throughout the years. Richard was a man with strong convictions: he loved the Steelers and Notre Dame, military history, reading, fishing, and "good Hunky" sausage from Schmidt's. There are so many ways to sum up a life, but we can say that grief is really just love. For those who are sad, know that he had a good, long, and happy life and made peace with God. In the end, he was surrounded by love in the place he wanted to be. He wanted a simple end, no frills or service, but simply for others to know he cared and wanted us to make peace with our past and fill our futures with kindness.