James Vrabel - Obituary

ames Joseph Vrabel, 72, of Riva, died Jan. 26 at his home. Mr. Vrabel was born May 29, 1935, in Bayonne, N.J. He lived in Denville and West Milford, N.J., before moving to Burford, N.C. He moved to Riva in 2001. He was a freelance illustrator and commercial artist, retiring in 1985. Mr. Vrabel served in the Army during the late 1950s, and was stationed in Germany. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara H. Kockerols Vrabel. Survivors include three sons, Frank Vrabel of Roslyn, N.Y., Bryan Vrabel of Island Lakes, N.J., and Christopher Vrabel of West Milford; one daughter, Kirsten Vail of Warwick, N.Y.; one brother, Frank Vrabel of Denville; three sisters, Janice Garman of Tennessee, Vivian Deeds of Rockaway, N.J., and Maryellen Serafine of Pennsylvania; and eight grandchildren. Family and friends may visit from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave. in Denville. A Liturgy of Christian burial will be offered at 9 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Church, 15 Meyers Ave. in Denville.