Name: Murphy Funeral Homes
Address: Falls Church, VA

Remembering Rick today.  Hard to believe he is gone! Continue RIP Rick. 🙏

I have just learned of the passing of “Ricky”.  We grew up together in Falls Church, Va.  and oh my goodness, he looked just like his father!!!  His mom and my mom were not only neighbors, but best friends forever.  His older brother, Mark and I were such good friends.  Mark, if you are reading this, how would love hearing from you. 

Rest in Peace, Ricky
Jo Ellen (Begle)

jo.shaw612@gmail.com

We think of Rick frequently. Sending love and continued prayers to Rosemary and the boys. Two years.....very sad.
Don & Nancy

It doesn't seem like Rick has gone for 2 years.  So sad,he was a good man.  As  a friend he  continues to be missed.

Mr. Rick was always a very kind soul to my family and I. We attended multiple Virginia Tech football games together with him and Matthew. We feel blessed to have known him and to cheer for our Hokies together. Our prayers and condolences are with you Zabel Family. 

Rick's impromptu house "drive-bys' while were working in the yard, hearing about his latest golf victories, his Capitol Hill viewpoints and his exuberance for all of life will be missed.  We were glad to share in his company. He will indeed be missed.

To the Zabel Family: 

I cannot simply express how saddened that I was to hear about the passing of “Rick” (aka Mr. Zabel).  When Matthew shared this, I was shocked to hear it, and it also brought hurt to my heart for him and this family – vivid memories “flashed” back to the day that my Dad died which seems just like yesterday.   It is very difficult to convey the sympathy that I have in your loss of your husband and father.  Over the years, and albeit I’ve spent the greater portion of the last 16 years in Dallas and now in Charleston, Matthew and I have continued to remain in touch.  You all have raised a fine son and Mathew’s character is founded in his faith in Christ and what you and Rick bestowed in him as parents.  You did a fine job raising Matthew and he has been a great friend over all the years.  I have been praying for him and this family and trust that peace and understanding will be something you are able to fathom during the period that you are in right now.  Thankfully, Rick knew Jesus so lets all rest well that he is in a better place now.  

All my best, J. Scott, Krystal, Rhett, and Reid Porter. 


Sending love and prayers to the Zabel family during your time of loss.  
Love,
The Gilroy’s (James, Jeanne, Evy & James)

Rest in peace to "Big Rick", heaven got a good one and added another Hokie upstairs.  I always appreciated the time he took to chat me up anytime we saw one another, be it about life- sports- you name it.   Just wanted to share my gratitude for always making me feel welcome at the Zabel household and for always showing my family nothing but love and respect.  Condolences and love to all-Rosemary-Matt-Chris-JP.  

Peace and Love from The Gilroy's

My deepest sympathy to Rosemary and her sons. All of you are in my prayers. I remember Rick dating Rosemary in high school. I had a hunch he was "the guy" for her. Fast forward four decades later--we reconnect again. Our conversations immediately pick up where we left off earlier. Rick was a great guy--proud of his family, dedicated employee, a sharp wit, avid golfer,  and VPI alumnus. I'm truly  so very sorry for your loss--Lou Ann Daniel

Sibling rivalry aside, Rick showed me the fortitude to persevere when it came to our sports competitions.  He definitely possessed talent "On loan from God", and I envied that gift.  A tough exterior,
with a kind heart.  He was very similar to our dear ole Dad!  Rick was also a candidate to the Naval academy,  but his life path continued with Rosemary at Va Tech. and not because I was there two years before them.  See you on the other side Brother! 

So sad to hear this. Rick was a good friend for over 35 years. May God comfort all of his family.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of a good man in Rick Zabel.   I met him when I was 13 years old through his son, Matthew, who is a life long friend and brother.  There is much that I will remember fondly of Rick particularly his love of Golf, Baseball, & College Football.  The spirited enthusiasm & loyal dedication he had for watching Greg Norman, Virginia Tech Football, & the New York Yankees influenced me greatly.  I cannot thank him & his wife, Rosemary, enough for developing my own love for sports by taking me along with Matthew to Orioles Games when Camden Yards was in its infancy, VPI football games, & Hoyas games or driving us to many a basketball court  across NOVA to learn that great game.  I try to pass along Rick's generosity in his time given to my own daughters & their friends via Softball.  I also will not forget him for imparting his love for Classic Rock while educating myself and Matthew on driving.  While the radio was playing Classic Rock in his Toyota Corolla after a great night playing basketball, "Name the tune, win a buck" was often played, but could be interrupted by a "Drive it or Park it, Mister."  Rick was a man of Christ.  I am comforted that he walks with him and perhaps that walk includes a stroll along Amen Corner at Augusta, a march across the drill field on the way to Lane Stadium,  and a trot through Monument Park at Yankee Stadium.  "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand. " Isaiah 41:10

My dear Rick,
	I can’t believe you are gone. We have known each other for 52 years. I was 16 when we went on our first date to a McLean High School basketball game. Our years together at Virginia Tech were some of the best years of my life. The lovely friends we made and the meetings at Campus Crusade for Christ were joyous.
	We have three wonderful sons who appreciated your great love for baseball. One of the highlights of our life together was the 1998 New York Yankees World Series Game. Thank you!
	I will always love you Rick. Rest in peace in Jesus’ presence. Your loving wife, Rosemary. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.” -Psalm 62:1

Dear Uncle Rick, 

To God we belong and to God we shall return! Thank you for being such a great role model, you raised a fine son in Matthew and I’m glad we were able to connect and bond as alumni of VPI. May God have mercy on you and may your family find peace. 

Ali Shaikh and Family

To my dearly departed dad; Rick Zabel:
           Words cannot express my sorrow, that has filled me since your unexpected and sudden departure from this world. 
            Over the years we shared together, you taught me much about life, both good and bad. You were with me from the moment the LORD of Israel conceived me in my mother's womb. You rocked me to sleep at all hours of the night during my first 2 years of life, regardless of your work schedule. You provided me a home and a shelter from the outside evils of this world, which you no longer have to endure. 
            You taught me how to play baseball, basketball, football, tennis, etc and developed me as an athlete at an early age. You also taught me no excuses when it came to working hard, whether it be in sports or in the game of life. For that, I am eternally grateful. How we bonded through sports, is something I will cherish until our Father calls me home to Heaven. 
            We had our share of accords and disagreements over our time as father and son. What I would give just to have one more of those is priceless. I will always miss our conversations regarding all aspects of life, especially VPI football. I remember how excited we both were the day I committed to VPI, and that I would be following in your footsteps to return home to our beloved Southwestern VA. The day you and Mom said goodbye to me in Blacksburg, is a day that I'll cherish forever. That day, you and Mom had raised your son well enough to stand on his own two feet. 
             Over the years that followed my wonderful time in Appalachia, we became closer and our relationship blossomed (with the aide of Hokies football). We still didn't see eye to eye on everything, but we were like two peas in a pod when it came to Virginia Tech. I thank the LORD everyday that you and Mom nudged me towards continuing my education at VPI. 
               In closing, I know you are with The Father in Heaven and we'll be reunited. Love ya

I lived across the street and down 2 houses from
Rick for 37 years!  He was a great neighbor often giving gardening tips to me, with my black thumb. He also got my oldest son his first job as a CongressIonal Intern that set him on a great career path. I will miss seeing him on my neighborhood walks. It will actually be very hard for me to walk around that corner knowing he is no longer there. I am quite sad about this loss.
Abby Mandel (formerly Freudberg) 

I have had the pleasure to work with Rick for the past 10 years.  He was a devoted husband, loving father and wonderful colleague.  I have many fond memories of our time together at the US House of Representatives. He will be truly missed. May the memories of Rick bring you comfort during this difficult time.  Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Ortega

I have known Rick and Rosemary for  over 20 years.  We have had wonderful times together having many dinners and lots of laughs.  He loved golf and  was an avid golfer.  He will be missed by his friends and relatives. 

My sincere condolence to the Zabel family.  I have many fond memories of Mr. Zabel dating back to when I was in kindergarten.  I remember many passionate debates over sports, countless number of rides to the Fall Church Rec center for pick up basketball games,  and him taking Matt and I to my first Redskins game at RFK.  I wish i could have thanked him one last time for all the kindness and generosity he showed me.  He was a good man and will be sorely missed.  Sending my best to Mrs. Zabel, Chris, Matt, and John Paul.  

‘Hey, couldn’t ya afford a better shirt, jeesh’ or something equally as loving would come out  of Rick whenever he caught me in a WVU shirt.  Mr. Zabel provided me with plenty of fond memories, often watching him and his beloved Rosemary converse something that would lead to Rick’s contention!

The memory of Rick, is what I think my final on Earth memory.  President Donald Trump had soundly defeated crooked hillary in a routine of an election.  Everyone was proud of Trump, Rick and I included.  An invitation to the 2016 Presidential Innaugeration was my reward for being a good boy and loyal friend 
to his son Matthew.  Enjoying 45 accept the most important job in the country was electric, and thanks to Rick I had the time of my life that night, i mean my gosh folks.  We thank you Rick!

I will see you again, rest well.

Eric LeKuch

Rest In Peace, Dad. We'll miss your presence dearly. I know you've already booked your first tee time in Heaven.

"In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

John 14:2


OBITUARIO

Eric Joseph Zabel

18 enero, 1952 – 5 febrero, 2022

Murphy Funeral Homes

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