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BORN
1933
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Gunn Obituary
Dick was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on July 13, 1933, and grew up in Athol, Massachusetts before settling in the Rockville/Ellington area in 1959 with his wife Louise of 64 years.
Dick leaves behind his son, Gregory Richard Gunn and his wife, Lynne of Ashford; son Gary Steven Gunn and his wife, Michel of Ossining, New York; daughter Gina Gunn; and grandchildren Daniel Gunn, Rebecca Gunn, Mia Gunn and Macy Gunn. Dick also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.
During the Korean conflict, Dick served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, specializing in parachute assault. Earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Allied Institute of Technology in Chicago, he designed tools and parts for a number of companies including Colt, U.S. Repeating Arms, Smith and Weston, and Ford Motor Company. Dick was best known simply as "Coach" to multiple generations of people who grew up playing sports in the area. His legacy goes back to the 1960s, when Dick was instrumental in the founding of youth football programs in both Vernon (the Shamrocks) and Ellington (the Roadrunners), as well as the Ellington Little League and basketball programs. In the '70s, his youth sports resume expanded to include soccer and girls softball. In 1999, the town of Ellington named the football field where the Roadrunners play "Dick Gunn Field" in honor of not only his football legacy, but also the design and placements of the original fields at Brookside Park (recently renamed the Robert Tedford Memorial Park). When not coaching, Dick could regularly be spotted behind the end zone or outfield fence chomping on a cigar while watching a game, always quick with some "friendly" advice (solicited or otherwise) for his former charges or their sons or daughters. When not attending youth sporting events, he could often be found engaging in his other great love, horseshoes, where he was a champion thrower throughout the Southern New England region.
At the request of the family, there will be no formal funeral or calling hours.
Understanding he touched many lives, to those who wish to pay their respects and honor Dick's legacy, the family would ask and encourage you to consider donating your time volunteering for youth sports programs in your own community or in some other way that supports and promotes community service and civic involvement.
The family wishes to extend a very special thanks to Danny Walker and his staff and the staff at Woodlake at Tolland and all of those who have shown support and love to Dick and his family.
For online condolences, please visit
www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
"Take a lap!"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gunn
Chris Hargreaves
April 28, 2020
Mr Gunn as we called him back in the late 60s was my head football coach when I was a young kid playing for the Ellington Roadrunners. His son, Greg was our quarterback and I played split end and defensive end. We had a lot of fun under his direction and made lots of friends. My younger sisters, Beth and Debbie were also in the cheerleading squad for our team.
Gary Marquis
October 27, 2019
Coach was all of that and more back in 1966, when I played for the Vernon Shamrocks. Coach, along with Asst Sylvestry and others, shaped us into a wining team. We lost only 2 games that year. One big win was against a pony league during a night game after double practice sessions. They were bigger than us. We are still very proud of that win. Coach pushed us hard for that win and made it happen. Usually, at each halftime of every game , he gave us pep talks and fresh oranges which both gave us energy. Years later, I met up with him at the VA. He remembered my name, number and where I played. Remarkable, after all the years have passed, I.ve always considered Coach as the local "Vince Lombardi" of Tolland county youth sports. We'll all miss him. Gary Marquis - 1966 Vernon Shamrocks- #67- right guard- left linebacker-...just like the "coach said it, just a handful of years ago.....
Joanne Brita
October 24, 2019
Sending love and light to you all, especially Mrs. Gunn. You are one amazing lady. I will miss seeing you every day.
Martin McGuire
October 21, 2019
My condolences to Louise and family. Dick had an impact on many lives. may he rest in peace,
Gina Gunn
October 21, 2019
Gina Gunn
October 21, 2019
Richard and Louise Gunn married 64 years
Gina Gunn
October 21, 2019
Gina Gunn
October 21, 2019
Gina Gunn
October 21, 2019
Getting ready for the coin toss at a Ellington game.
Gina Gunn
October 21, 2019
Gina Gunn
October 21, 2019
October 20, 2019
The Kenney-Davis Family sends Hugs
And Love to the Gunn Family. DAD'S ARE VERY Special too their kids, Your Father was a Father figure to many of the Youth in Ellington while we were Growing up!
Hugs
Mystica Kenney Davis & Family
Richard Trzcinski
October 19, 2019
Every day I walk my dog Shiner in a one mile circle around the neighborhood, we call it "the lap" and we occasionally see a roadrunner. Still taking laps coach and thinking of you all.Deepest sympathies Rick and Jasmine.
October 19, 2019
Louise- On behalf of Ritt's Horseshoe League, I extend our condolences to you and your family.Coach and Paul Parrow won the league championship so many times, in good fun, we once gave them targets for their back.As always, they took the ribbing with class.
We all appreciate both yours and Coach's contribution to the success of the league. He will always be a member. He's got some good players that will challenge him where is now.Paul, Stan, Ritt, Bobby, just to mention a few...he's in good company.
Dan Rittlinger
Chris Joseph. Heathers Parents Marques
October 19, 2019
So sorry for your loss . My deepest sympathy to you and yours
The Staff of Small & Pietras and Coventry Funeral Homes
October 19, 2019
With deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Ashley Lundberg (Gioia)
October 19, 2019
Coach was an amazing man and extremely influential to myself and others growing up. I remember he would even come watch us coach the younger kids in rec basketball. He was always there watching. My condolences to his family. He will be Greatlg missed.
Rob Roberts
October 18, 2019
Greg and family, I always enjoyed talking with your Dad from the time Greg and I played baseball together to seeing him at my son's sports games in Ellington. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
October 18, 2019
Gary Gina Greg and of course Mrs Gunn I am so sorry for your loss your Dad was a great man and coach.I really enjoyed having him and your mom watch my games at Rockville High .It was an honor to know and be coached by such a great man
Frank Levick
Lunette Mitchell
October 18, 2019
"What was once enjoyed and deeply loved. You can never lose. For all that you love deeply becomes part of you." My deepest sympathy Gina
Robin McCluskey
October 18, 2019
Louise and Family, Im so sorry for your loss. Coach had a great smile and always an encouraging word Good job Ill miss him.
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