Richard Blair "Little Mo" Modzelewski

1931 - 2018

Richard Blair "Little Mo" ModzelewskiFuneral Mass for Dick Modzelewski, 87, of Eastlake, will be 12 noon Friday, Oct. 26, at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor. Fr. Tom Johns will officiate.Dick passed away Friday Oct. 19, 2018, at his residence.Born Feb. 16, 1931, in West Natrona, Pa., he had been a resident of Lake County for 10 years, living in Willoughby before moving to Eastlake.Dick was a member of St. John Vianney Church in Mentor. He was played football for Harbrack High School, making "All State," and also played football for the University of Maryland from 1949 to 1952, where he was named "All American" in 1951 and 1952, and was named the Outland Trophy winner in 1952, as the best defensive lineman in the nation. This honor resulted in an invitation to the White House, where he had lunch with President Eisenhower. Dick was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993, and the National Polish Football Hall of Fame in 1986.Dick was a NFL #2 draft pick for the Washington Redskins and played in the NFL for 14 years for the Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers, NY Giants, and Cleveland Browns, playing in 180 consecutive games and awarded the Ironman Trophy Award. He also played in 8 NFL Championship games and then coached 22 years in the NFL for the Browns, Giants, Bengals, Packers and Lions, prior to his retirement.He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Dorothy Jane (nee Welsh) Modzelewski; loving father of Mark R. Modzelewski, Laurie M. (Roger) Hardesty, Terry A. (Rhonda) Modzelewski and Amie M. Rodgers; grandfather of Kevan, Michelle, Krissy, Ashley, Stacee, T.J., Rhiannon, Wayne and Kent; great-grandfather of Ava, Emiliana, Benny, Bentley, Skye Marie, and Mason; brother of Florence (Richard) Nowicki and Betty Logan; brother-in-law of Barbara Modzelewski and Joanne Modzelewski; and uncle of nieces and nephews.Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph J. and Martha M. (nee Gosciak) Modzelewski; brothers, Ralph, Ted, Joe (Tootsie, dec.), Ed, and Gene; and brother-in-law, Ben Logan.Burial will be held in Willoughby Memorial Gardens.Arrangements are entrusted to McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor. To leave condolences for the family, order flowers or light a memorial candle, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.