Richard "Dick" Williams

Lowellville - Richard D. (Dick) Williams, 92, of Lowellville, passed away Tuesday
evening, January 24, 2023, at his home. He was born October 19, 1930 in
Youngstown, a son of Joseph and Sadie (DeCesare) Williams and had been a
lifelong resident of Lowellville.

For Dick Williams, life was good. He starred on both the hardwood and diamond
for his hometown, then returned as a teacher/coach to lead his alma mater on the
field of play while schooling many a youth in the game of life.

A 1948 graduate of Lowellville High School, he earned letters in football, baseball,
and basketball helping the Rockets to the 1947 basketball regional semi-final
game. He also helped the Rockets advance to district finals in 1946. The highlight
of his scholastic baseball career came in 1948 when he pitched a no hitter.
Dick attended Youngstown College where he played both baseball and basketball
for legendary coach Dom Rosselli. In baseball, he was the recipient of the Branch
Rickey Award.

After graduating from Youngstown College in 1953 earning his Bachelor of
Science in Education, he entered the United States Coast Guard and then married
his high school sweetheart, the former Angeline DeLetis. During his time in the
Coast Guard, he played for the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw’s cage team for two
seasons. Once his active duty during the Korean War ended, he was honorably
discharged. He returned to the area to begin his teaching/coaching career, and later earned his
Master’s degree from Kent State University in 1959. He started his first teaching
job at the Market Street Elementary School in Boardman working there for two years, and then
moved to North Lima High School for one year. Dick then returned to his Alma
Mater for 38 years of teaching and coaching basketball until his retirement in 1995.
The Honorable Mention “Coach of the Year” in the state of Ohio in 1959-60, he led
the Rockets to an 82 percent winning ledger from 1968-75 where they either won
or shared six I.C.L. titles. His team posted a 33-game win streak from 1971-73,
and included during that time was a 31- game league unbeaten streak. His 1971-72
Rocket team posted an undefeated 18-0 regular season, and from 1994-96, his
Rocket teams won three straight Sectional titles.

The two-time Mahoning Valley “Coach of the Year”(1971-72 and 1972-73), he was
the 1971-72 N.E.O. “Coach of the Year” as well. He was inducted into the Ohio
High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame for posting 300+ career victories
and was the 1994 Valley Playbook Division VI “Coach of the Year.” Also, he was
inducted into the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame. He was especially honored to
have the Lowellville basketball court named after him.

Academically, his honors were just as impressive. The two-time recipient of the
Lowellville High School “Teacher of the Year” award (1981-82 and 1984-85), he
was the 1981-82 Jennings Scholar recipient and was listed in the 1994 “Who’s
Who Among American Teachers.”

As a dedicated teacher and coach, all of his players and students were very
important to him. Known for his stories and entertaining speeches, he tried to
instill the benefit of a good education, the importance of learning, the benefits of
teamwork and fair play, and the ability to develop a strong work ethic in his
students.

Dick is also remembered for his role in creating and developing the Lowellville
Summer Recreation program, where he served as Director for 35 years. His efforts
have given the youth of the community a safe and structured program of activity
and crafts during the summer months.

As an avid golfer, he played in several leagues and golfed weekly with his
grandson until he was 87 years old. His grandchildren were so special to him. He
loved attending every event and activity for Joey, Krista, and Rachel. He also
enjoyed going to the basketball state finals in Columbus every year.

Above all else, nothing compares to the love he had for his wife and family, which
meant everything to him.

His beloved wife of 62 years, the former Angeline DeLetis, whom he married
August 29, 1953, died April 3, 2016.

He leaves his three daughters, Pamela (Frank) Nolfi of Poland, Marilyn (Dennis
DeLucia) Williams of Lowellville, and Shelley (Joseph) Listorti of Austintown;
three grandchildren, Joey (Samantha) Listorti, Rachel Listorti and Krista Nolfi; two
great-grandchildren, Joey Listorti IV, and Makenna Listorti; and a brother, Joseph
Williams. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jeanne
Zelinka and her husband, John; two sisters-in-law, Eleanor Williams, Evelyn Kurtz
and her husband, Bob.

Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 2023 at
the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Lowellville. A prayer service will begin
at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial
at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church with the Rev. Fr. John Jerek
as celebrant. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lowellville Summer Recreation.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.