Dr. Vincent Paul Joseph Bakey
OBITUARY
Dr. Vincent Paul Joseph Bakey, 81, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Carbondale nursing & rehabilitation Center in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He was born in Darby, Pennsylvania on May 12, 1945.
He was enrolled in Girard College for fatherless boys after losing his father at a very young age, while his mother worked full-time as a registered nurse. Upon graduation, he served as a medic in the Navy through the Vietnam war. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Trenton State University and his Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University.
Dr. Bakey became the longest practicing eye doctor in Lackawanna County, building a loyal patient following over decades of steadfast care. Prior to joining Schoonover Eye Care in January 2025, he operated his own practice in North Scranton from 1981 to 2000 and practiced full scope Optometry at his Dickson City location from 2000 to 2025. He also served as the optometrist at Ross McDownall Optical in Dunmore for over 40 years. His patients described him as very thorough and knowledgeable.
Vince had a passion for vintage cars and was an expert on the makes and models. He was a quiet, kind-hearted, and generous man. He cherished time with his family and friends. He was a devoted son who cared deeply for his mother. They enjoyed many summers on the Jersey shore together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Vincent Bakey and Mary Josephine Bakey, cousin Joan Schiller and Joseph Dougherty. He is survived by cousins. Patricia Dougherty, Virginia Snow (Bernard) and their families. Left to cherish his memory is his long-time office manager Pat Edwards, devoted neighbors Donna & Jack Gilroy, and his most recent employer, encouraging advocate and friend, Dr. Rebecca Schoonover. The family of Dr. Bakey wishes to thank Pat, Donna, & Becky for going above and beyond in their generous support, dedication, and compassionate care of Vince. He was well respected and loved.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home 601 Dundaff Street, Dickson City. There will be a blessing service at 5:45 p.m. by Father Cyril Edwards.
His final resting place will be with his parents at Calvary cemetery located at 2025 Old Gulph Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Donations can be made to Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Drexel University c/o Dr. Vincent P. Bakey Memorial Scholarship. Flowers will be accepted by the funeral home as well.
Dr. Vincent Paul Joseph Bakey
July 13, 2026