Al Dunn

Richard Albert “Al” Dunn, a lifelong sports enthusiast, teacher, coach, and friend, “went to the stadium for the big game” Thursday, May 12, 2011 in Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.Born at Uhrichsville, April 11, 1930, he was the son of the late Frances and Georgia Bertha (Quimby) Dunn. A 1948 graduate of Uhrichsville High School, Al excelled both academically and athletically there, becoming the first 11 time letter winner in football, basketball, and track.Next, Al continued his formal education at Ohio University where he played football for the Bobcats, ultimately graduating in 1952 with a degree in education. For his athletic contributions to the University, Al was honored as the All-mid American Conference 2nd team ’50, Outstanding Lineman ’51, and track honors in ’50. Al honorably served our country in the United States Army, joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps during school, then he deployed to Korea, ultimately finishing his service as a recruiter.As a humble, yet talented man, Al received 2 letters of invitation to play professional football with both the Rams and Vikings, but politely declined, choosing instead to return home to begin his career in coaching and education and marry his high school soulmate and Homecoming attendant, the former Wilma Jane Besozzi. They wed in Uhrichsville Christian Church on April 12, 1952.After briefly working in his father’s Dodge dealership, Al went to work serving the students of New Philadelphia, as a social-studies and physical education teacher, athletic director, and coach. During his tenure, Al obtained his masters degree from the University of Dayton in 1975. Although he retired in 1986, his loyalty to Quaker Tradition never dimmed.Al’s love for life was contagious and his ability to nurture lasting friendships is legendary. He enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada with the boys even if the beans were a little salty, and closer to home, spent many days decreasing the fish population on Tappan and Leesville Lake. A lifelong member of the Christian Church, he was nurtured in the faith at Uhrichsville Christian Church in his youth, and served the Lord in many ways as a member of New Philadelphia’s First Christian Church. Although he held numerous positions at the church, he was most proud of serving Community Thanksgiving Dinners annually. Al also lead a project to beautify Franklin Square and served as a New Philadelphia councilman at large in ’82 and ’83. Most importantly, Al held his family near and dear to his heart. He taught them what it meant to love unconditionally, serve honorably, and live fully. He will be deeply missed by them, leaving behind his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Wilma; his two daughters, Kathy (Tim) Rentsch of New Philadelphia and Elaine (John) Deems of Leonardtown, MD; and his grandchildren, Maggie and Katie Rentsch, and Sydney, Natalie, and John “Bud” Deems. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his two brothers, Frances, Jr. and Charles “Chuck” Dunn.Friends are invited to call Sunday, May 15, from 1 to 5 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Jim Borton will lead Al’s funeral service Monday at 11 AM in First Christian Church, 104 3rd St. NW, where the family will also receive friends an hour prior to the service. In Al’s memory, his family requests all guests join them in wearing Red and Black.Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. Following the committal, friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon reception the First Christian Church’s fellowship hall.Contributions in Al’s memory may be made to either First Christian Church Attn: Community Thanksgiving Dinner fund, 104 3rd NW, New Philadelphia, O. 44663 or the Quaker Foundation Attn: Al Dunn Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 627, New Philadelphia, O. 44663.