Richard A. Young

Richard "Coach" Dick Young, age 76, longtime PE teacher, Athletic Director, and coach at The Southeast Local School district in Portage County, passed into Eternity on May 31 at Summa Hospice, due to complications of long-term diabetes, Type 1. As he entered his final hours, Rita Starr Young, wife of 52 years, son Matthew Young, daughter Megan Grafton, Andrea Boyes Young, and grandchildren Cameron and Carly Young were able to spend precious time bedside. The younger grandchildren Samantha and Brantley Grafton are still learning about the mystery of a glorious life beyond the body. Bonus daughter Bobbi Cohen of North Carolina was present in spirit. Dick was gifted a long life in an amazing era, and for that we are all beyond grateful.

Coach Young grew up in Portage County and graduated from Rootstown High School in 1966. He attended New Milford Baptist Church, and still enjoyed many friendships with his grade school and high school friends.

Dick graduated from Kent State University in 1971, with a BS degree in health and physical education.

While at Kent State, he wrestled for Joe Begala, and witnessed the horrific events of May 4, 1970.

On July 31, 1971, he married Rita Starr; they then moved to Bethel, Ohio, where he taught PE and coached until 1973.

In 1973, a position opened at Southeast; he was hired, and the rest is history:

PE teacher 1973-1984 and 1988-1989

High School Principal 1984-1988

Athletic Director 1977-1984 and 1988-2006

Wrestling head coach 1974-1981

Wrestling assistant coach 1981-1985 and 2002-2003

Girls track head coach 1978-1980, 1982-1984, and 1995-2006

Football assistant coach 2002-2004

Former long-time school superintendent, Donald Fedorchak admired Mr. Young's passion for the sports program, and the vigor of Coach Young's pursuit to quickly and fully implement the laws of Title IX, which required equality in sport programs for lady athletes. Mr. Young was proud to recruit talented teacher/coach candidates, such as Ralph Graham, Cindy Fesemyer, Bob Dunn, Dave Dubinsky, Dean Dunlavy, and many other excellent and devoted staff members.

The following tribute, written by former scholar/athlete Jason Pence, is a most fitting summation:

"Bob Seger, the big conversion van on the way to and from little league games... his story-telling as the Southeast HS Pirates Sports Historian...teaching me how to play Texas Holdem with the "old timer" Wayland Road neghbors...Monte Carlo Intimidators and his full-length leather duster and rockstar long hair.... Basketball at the Young's house, and I was always welcome to take a nap in your basement...I loved those naps. Finally, believing in a kid from the country, who he kindly called a hillbilly and I never took offense.

Life needs characters and Dick was unapologetically himself: someone who made me feel like he was always in my corner, no matter what. I love him like part of my own family."

So rest in peace, Dick Young. He was a husband, father, Gap (grandpa), uncle, friend, coach, teacher, AD, and a very dedicated Southeast Pirate. As Dick (1948...2024) would say, "Remember, it's the ... that really counts."

Thank you, family, friends, and the Southeast Pirate Family for being a part of his life.

It has been a wonderful life.

Other survivors include the following: nephews Rick, Rob, Randy and Rex Young, niece Connie Achor, Aunt Colleen Fincannon, in-laws Leo Starr, Chris and Christine Starr, Lois Starr, and numerous others.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother, Ralph and Delores Fincannon Young, brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Carol Epling Young, and brother-in-law, Walter Starr.

A Celebration of Life will be held

Friday, June 14, 2024

5-8 PM

Southeast High School Gymnasium

8423 Tallmadge Road

Ravenna, Ohio 44266

Southeast or Ohio State apparel is encouraged

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to:

SPACE (Southeast Pirate Athletic Community Endeavor )

By check:

Southeast Local Schools,

8245 Tallmadge Road

Ravenna, Ohio 44266

By venmo:

SPACE of Portage County

venmo.com

Many thanks to: Summa Palliative Care/Hospice

Dr. Matthew Chung and Dr. Abdelle Cheres

The Brimfield Township Fire Department Joanna Ripple, Assisted Living Navigators

Adams Mason Funeral Home

Bob Dunn, Cindi Fesemyer, Patrick Youel, and all who made this celebration possible.