Richard "Richie" Gnida

RICHARD "RICHIE" CARL GNIDA Iowa City Richard "Richie" Carl Gnida, 80, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at Country View in North Liberty with his family by his side. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Gary Beckman officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, prior to the service, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Solon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Research Fund at the University of Iowa Foundation, 1 West Park Rd., Iowa City, IA 52242; or Country View, 555 Country Lane, North Liberty, IA 52317. Richie was born June 29, 1941, in New York City, the son of Louis and Sophie (Yedlowski) Gnida. He was raised in Somers, N.Y., where he graduated from high school in 1959. Richie received his bachelor's degree from Cortland State University had a master's degree in education as well as a school administration degree. On July 1, 1972, Richie married Elizabeth McKee in Montezuma, Iowa. Richie taught physical education for 34 years with the last 28 years being at Somers Middle School in Somers, N.Y. Throughout his career, he also served as athletic director/assistant principal. He was a successful football and wrestling coach holding several leadership roles within coaching organizations. Richie had a positive influence on many as a teacher and coach. Following his retirement, Richie became a realtor. He enjoyed spending time at their home in Rhode Island. In 2002, Richie and Elizabeth moved to Iowa City to be near family. Richie was a member of St. Wenceslaus Church. He loved scuba diving and was a certified PADI instructor. Diving was often combined with his love of travel. Richie loved sports and was an avid supporter of Iowa Hawkeyes. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the caregivers with Support Care Iowa and Country View. Richie is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; two children, Tanya (Deb) Gnida of Portland, Ore., and Andy (Michelle) Gnida of Solon; three grandchildren, Lou, Zeb and Eleanor; and his brother, Gene Gnida (Talya Baharal-Gnida) of Ulster Park, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his parents. Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com.