Michael Vacula, 65, passed away on Thursday February 23, 2012 in the Hospice Care unit at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Twp., with his loving family at his side.

Michael was born and raised in Exeter, son of the late Michael Adam and Doris Curtis Vacula. He was a 1965 graduate of Exeter High School.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Michael honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge in April 1971, Michael had attained meritoriously the rank of Sergeant.

A proud veteran, Michael was the former commander of the V.F.W. Exeter Post # 6518.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 0833. Through his lifetime being always civic-minded, Michael served his community as a member of the Wyoming Area School Board and was appointed as representative to West Side Vocational-Technical School. He was elected as Exeter Borough Councilman serving as representative to the WVSA Board.  Michael volunteered as coach for the Exeter Panthers mini football league during its early years.  Michael had been employed by Maier’s Bakery until his retirement in 2006.

An avid Penn State fan Mike attended many games along with the busloads of family and friends he usually brought along.  Mike also enjoyed his hunting expeditions to Main and South Carolina and returned home to his loving family and friends to share his exciting and usually very entertaining stories.

Michael cherished the time with his children and grandchildren, his greatest joy. They were his sweethearts and his buddies.  They shared so many happy times and they will remember him always for his caring, loving heart.

In addition to his parents, Michael and Doris Vacula, Michael was preceded in death by his brother-in-law and good friend, Ronnie Rome.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer Vacula, Wyoming, Pa. ; Heather Vacula Gallo and her husband, Aaron, Darien, Ct. and Michael Vacula and his wife Samantha, Exeter, Pa.; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Hannon, Mia and Wes Gallo, and Ava and Alex Vacula; former wife and friend, Gloria Vacula; his sisters, Margaret Giordano and her husband Ross, Exeter, and Suzanne Vacula, Plains; Godmother and Aunt Valya Vacula, Exeter and best friend, Pat Perugino, Plains,; sisters –in-law, Mary Ann Rome, Exeter, Marguerite Pallchak and her husband Robert, Spring, Tx. And Jo-Ann Pellegrini and her husband Thomas, Exeter; and many nieces , nephews, breakfast partners and good friends.  He will be very deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank everyone at Manor Care, Kingston and the VA Hospice Care Unit for their loving attention, compassion and care.

Military funeral honors will be conducted Monday February 27, 2012  at 9:00am from the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter with the Am Vets Honor Guard .
A mass of Christian burial will follow at 9:30a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, St. Barbara Parish, Exeter, with the Rev. Paul McDonnell, O.S.J. , as celebrant.
Interment will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.
Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Sunday from 5:00pm -8:00pm at the funeral home.
Please visit www.gubbiottifh.com to send the family expressions of sympathy or condolences.