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Rich was in the first class of paramedics in Lackawanna County, PA in 1975.  He was instrumental in setting up a mobile intensive care unit that saved many lives while it was in service.  He was also active in training EMTs and paramedics . 

  

Richard E. Owens, 70, of South Abington Twp., died Wednesday morning in Allied Skilled Nursing Center, Scranton, following an illness.

Born Jan. 25, 1940, in Scranton, son of the late Israel and Mary Vola Owens, he was a graduate of St. Paul's High School in Scranton. Richard was a paramedic with the Mobile Intensive Care Unit of Scranton for many years. Before retiring, he was employed by Community Medical Center and Community Life Support. He was a member of St. Gregory's Church in Clarks Green and the Chinchilla Hose Company. He was also a member of the Villa Capri Cruisers of Scranton and was an avid photographer.

The family would like to thank the fourth-floor staff at Allied Skilled Nursing and Mercy Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

Surviving are a sister, Virginia A. Grande and husband, John, South Abington Twp.; two nieces, Chris Getz and husband, Jerry, Clarks Summit; and Sharon Byrne and husband, Thomas, Clarks Summit; and three great-nieces.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 9 a.m. from the Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton, with Mass at 10 in St. Gregory's Church, 330 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, with Monsignor John H. Louis as celebrant. Interment, Fairlawn Cemetery, Dalton. Friends may call today, 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Mercy Hospice, 746 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510; or the Chinchilla Hose Company, 113 Shady Lane Road, Chinchilla, PA 18411.