Richard (Dick) Brockett, of Garrettsville, OH, former basketball coach, teacher, and Democratic Party activist, died at 91.
He was raised in Lodi, OH, son of a turkey farmer, and one of seven children of Roger Brockett and Grace (Patch) Brockett. After graduating from Leroy High School, he attended Otterbein College, in Westerville, OH, where he excelled in several sports, including baseball, football, and basketball. Known as “Golden Arm” to friends and colleagues, Richard was a standout pitcher in college and was later invited to join the Baltimore Orioles farm team following completion of his service in the U.S. Army and Korean War. He eventually passed on pro baseball, preferring to start a teaching career and a family of his own. Richard’s decades-long teaching and coaching career included posts at several Ohio public schools, including Alliance High School and James A. Garfield High School in Garrettsville, OH, where he coached and taught for over 50 years. Over his decades-long career at James A. Garfield High School, Richard taught an array of classes and subjects, but was best known for his lectures in history, civics, and government. He coached teams as diverse as varsity basketball to cross-country, and received many awards for teaching, coaching, and participation in Garfield sports. Richard had a profound impact on the lives of many young students and athletes, and was an elder statesman in the Garrettsville community. A lifelong democrat, he was also active in local Portage County politics and actively participated in local and state elections.
Richard will be deeply missed by his dear wife, Mary Ann (nee Ross) Brockett, with whom he was blessed to share 68 years of marriage; children, David (Namatra) Brockett, Daniel (Linda) Brockett, Alice (David) Hale, Amelia (Dan Murphy) Mutere; 9 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and good friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Please join the family for a memorial visitation Saturday, November 23, 2024, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. A memorial remembrance will begin at the funeral home at 2:00 pm.
Richard’s lifelong passions were gardening, sports, and especially reading, which is why he was a strong supporter for the Portage Co. District Library in Garrettsville, OH. The family would like to recommend that in remembrance of Richard, donations may be considered to be graciously given to the Portage Co. District Library – Garrettsville Branch, https://portagelibrary.org/support-the-library-13213, Garrettsville Library, 10482 South St., Garrettsville, OH 44231, in his name, to honor his memory. For online condolences go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
