DIXON Jr., Richard T. (Dick), age 88 of Shaler Twp., passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 with his best friend and favorite wife of 31 years, Mary Lou and his cat Blue. Survived by his loving sisters-in-law, Joanne Zilinsky, Lynn (Rege) Nelis, Peg O’Brien and Pat Zvaleny, nieces and nephews and many close friends whose love and support helped him cross the finish line. He is also survived by his daughters Deborah (Bob) Fritzinger of Buffalo and Jennifer (Tom) Hesketh of State College and 3 grand daughters Molly, Lauren and Claire Hesketh.
Dick graduated from Edinboro State Teachers College and Officer Candidate School. After serving in the Army, he returned to his alma mater for a lifelong career. Dick was a teacher, became a successful head coach of football, track and wrestling, was high school principal in the 70’s when graduation classes were near 1,000 students and retired in 1982 as the Director of Secondary Education at Shaler Area School District. Dick was honored to be inducted in the first Shaler Area Athletic Hall of Fame and continued serving the community on the Shaler Township Civil Service Committee.
Dick enjoyed life as well as organizing fun events for his family and friends, especially golf outings, Steeler tailgates and cooking gourmet meals. In spite of his gruff exterior, he touched many lives with love, compassion and a generous spirit throughout his entire life.
Friends received Friday 2-8 pm at Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd., Funeral Service Saturday at 10:30 am at the funeral home followed by burial at Allegheny County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Dick Dixon Football Endowment, Edinboro University, 210 Meadville St., Edinboro, PA 16444
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Richard "Dick" T. Dixon Jr., please visit our floral store.