Obituary Erik "Rick" Gerhard Weinkopff Sr. Wilkes Barre Eric “Rick” Gerhard Weinkopff Sr., 61, of Wilkes Barre, a retired warehouse manager, was taken from his home and loving family to be with the Lord on March 16th, 2007. Born on July 24, 1945 in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, raised in Croydon, he was a graduate of Delhaas High School. At Keystone Lighting in Bristol, he would meet his future mother-in-law. She recognized he was wonderful and set him up on a date with her daughter. That date on December 31, 1969 led to a 37-year marriage to his soul mate and love of his life, Irene. People can only dream for the love they shared. Rick and Irene bought a home in Bristol Borough where they raised their family. Rick worked hard everyday until an unexpected illness forced him to retire in 2002. In 2005, the family moved to Wilkes Barre where he finally had his dream home with the sports den he always wanted. He had a beautiful soul and loved many things. First and foremost he truly loved his family; anyone who knew him knew that. He shared a special bond with his 10-year-old grandson Ryan, who gave him joy everyday. His brother Gene was also important to him, as they were each other’s best friends in life. He enjoyed gardening and collecting sports memorabilia and coins. Rick was a life long loyal Philadelphia sports fan. Being at “The Vet” when the Phillies won the World Series in 1980 was one of his happiest memories. He took pride in watching his own children play sports and could always be found in the bleachers. As a youth baseball coach and umpire he enriched many lives. Years later his players would come up and thank him for all he did. In death, like in life, he helped others by donation through the Gift of Life organ donation program. Rick is the beloved son of the late Gerhard and Adelaide Weinkopff. Also greeting him in heaven are his in laws Matilda and George Ditto Sr. and his beloved nephew Lewis Samuel Dopson III. Left behind with heavy hearts until we see him again is his beloved wife, Irene (nee Ditto), son Ricky Jr., daughter Kristin and grandson Ryan. He is also survived by his brother Gene and wife Susan, his brother Louis, his Aunt Ann and Uncle Bob Corbett, in laws Karen Dopson and husband Lew and George Ditto Jr. and wife Nancy. Also many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends, notably Neil Adams, Bruce Vansant and his beloved dog and companion Tillie, who seems lost without him. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral mass on Thursday, March 22, 2007, 10:00am at St. Mark Church,Bristol Boro.  Interment, private.  Friends may call Wednesday evening 6-9:00 and Thursday morning 9-9:45am at the Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Str., Bristol Boro. His family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made in his name to The Bristol High School Football Team c/o Coach George Gatto. Wilson Ave. Bristol, PA 19007.