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Richard Senko Obituary
Palm Coast - Richard "Dick" Senko passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Dick was born January 30, 1945 to the late William "Bill" Senko and Loretta "Nanny" Materne. He is survived by his wife Eileen and their five children, Dana (Laura Lodico) Senko, Laura (Ryan Card) Senko, Emily (James) Davis, Martha (Brandon) Sands, and Stephanie (Freddy) Senko, and his eight grandchildren Milena, Maizy, Mack, Poppy, Dillon, Camryn, Emmory and Enzo. He is also survived by his sister Sharon (Gilbert) Dickinson and niece Deborah (Terrance) Dickinson-Prior and their son Corey.
Dick was born in Elmira, NY and was a public-school teacher for 35 years and a high school football coach for 37 years. Those who knew him remember him for his infectious smile, fun-loving personality, compassion, leadership, love for predicting snow days and every so often...a spontaneous "mad dog." His passion for teaching, students and coaching went beyond the football field. His generosity and love for his family and the community were unmatched. He instilled in his children the importance of empathy, integrity, hard work and living life to the fullest. He lived by this mantra:
"To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. ~Emerson"
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Dick's giving spirit please consider a donation to the Elmira Community Kitchen https://cs-cc.org/programs-services/elmira-community-kitchen/. If you would like to share a kind message or story to the Senko Family, please send to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Senko
Sponsored by The Star-Gazette.
Paul Titus
December 12, 2020
Senko family: Dick was one of a kind...whenever you were around him, he lit up the room. God bless Dick and his family.
Jackie Weaver
December 10, 2020
Dear Eileen and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know Dick well, but remember him stopping in the health office when I worked at EFA. Dick was always friendly and upbeat... and the love for his family, students and community shined through. Sending you all strength and peaceful wishes until you meet again.
Lew McCall
December 8, 2020
To Eileen and family, I was saddened to learn of Dick's passing, my thoughts are with you at this time. He was deeply proud of his family, a cheerleader/coach to his teams and students and the weather man/role model to all. We will miss him, may God comfort you.
Bill Emmick
December 7, 2020
I coached with Dick for many years at EFA. He was an awesome coach in every sport. I also played many years of fast pitch softball with him. I remember the night he hit a home run against the number 1 pitcher in the world. (Ty Stofflet). He was a great husband and father to his family.
John Patrick Snell
December 7, 2020
To the Senko family:
I want to say how saddened I am to hear of Coach’s passing. I was fortunate that I got to meet him when I was recruiting for the University at Buffalo early in my coaching career and we hit it off immediately because I am a BW grad as well. I had great respect for what he was able to accomplish as a High School football coach and we are very proud of what he stood for. Coach was clearly a “BW MAN”! Please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and we pray that God will comfort you during this difficult time. God’s blessings to you!
Coach Snell
Interim Athletic Director
Baldwin Wallace U.
Rich Cerio
December 7, 2020
Eileen and family, it is with a heavy heart that we view Dick's passing. There are many fond memories of times with Dick-- working at the Branch Office, playing softball and flag football with him, and having the honor of both of you gracing our lives as members of our wedding party. Dick lived with passion and energy and we are sure that his traits will live on in your family. Our doors, our hearts and our arms are always open to you should you come this way again. With outlive we send you our deepest and sorrowful sympathies.
Rich and Mary Jane Cerio
Annemarie Corbin Baker
December 6, 2020
My Deepest Condolences to the Senko Family!
Bob Ludwig
December 6, 2020
Eileen and family, Sharon and Burt, I’m so sorry to hear of Dicks passing. Being next door neighbors during our high schools years we spent many hours together doing some pretty crazy things. If we weren’t at Brand Park pool or Dunn Field we were at the lake spending all our time on water skis. It was hard keeping up with Dick but I can honestly say it was a lot of fun trying. Dick will be missed but the memories will always remain.
Margi Grieco
December 6, 2020
Eileen and family, I send my deepest condolences. Coach Senko had a positive and life-changing effect on my brother Tommy Niles. Coach encouraged him to get back into sports during a very difficult time in his life. Tommy would simply say, “Thanks, Coach. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
John and Karen Lesky
December 6, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with Eileen and family. Dick was an outstanding teacher and coach. His enthusiasim and work ethic both in the classroom and on the athletic field was unmatched. Dick was always willing to give a helping hand when asked. I was very fortunate to been able to work with Dick. Rest in peace my friend.
Richard Milazzo
December 6, 2020
Eileen and Family,
Very sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. I enjoyed his company always. He was a gentleman. Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
Craig and Rick Milazzo
Julie Overton
December 5, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Senko family, the halls of the EFA will forever echo his wisdom.
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