On May 9, 2021, Richard Brinkos passed away at the age of 78. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to Michael and Julia (Kushner) Brinkos on June 20, 1942. After graduating from Villanova, Rich worked as a civil engineer for the Philadelphia Water Department for the majority of his career. He helped raise his three children, Kathleen, Christine, and Michael. Rich's passion for buying and restoring antique coin operated machines, earned him the nickname The Gumball Guy. This hobby, along with his love of Doo-Wop music, began during his childhood when he spent many summers in Wildwood, NJ, working the amusements on the boardwalk and patronizing the silent salesmen he worked to preserve for generations to come. For over 40 years he was involved with this hobby, considering collectors from around the globe to be part of an extended family. Rich contributed to several books and periodicals on this subject, and was featured on the HGTV show, Ultimate Collectors. Rich was preceded in death by his father, Michael, and his mother, Julia. He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Mathew), Christine (Kevin), and Michael, his sister Carole, three grandchildren, a niece and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to Visitation on Monday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 234 Hermitage St., Philadelphia, PA. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rich's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. Condolences may be shared at www.kollerfuneralhome.com

KOLLER FUNERAL HOME