"To the entire family, May God keep you and comfort you and may you receive HIS peace that surpasses all understanding in this difficult time."
In loving memory of
Richard A. Loring
February 21, 1930 - February 5, 2020
Richard A. Loring, age 89, of Moorestown Twp., NJ, and formerly of Morgantown, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 2:09 PM surrounded by his family.
We extend an invitation to celebrate 90 years of love and devotion to a man who dedicated his life to what he loved; Family, Teaching, Coaching - a life in service to others. A life that returned tremendous respect, admiration, and love from all he touched.
Dick was born in Morgantown, West Virginia on February 21, 1930, the son of John Albert and Osa Viola Loring, the youngest of six.
He was the husband of the late Velma Mae Loring, his beloved wife of 39 years;loving companion for the last 25 years of Mary Flynn;father of Cindy May (Randy), Cathy Manning (David), and Richard Loring Jr. (Mary); grandfather to Erin, Kyle, Amy, Leslie, David and Sarah; and great grandfather to Jacob, Logan, and Emelia. Of his many accomplishments and successes, his family brought him the most joy.
Dick grew up in the coal-mining town of Cassville, WV where he attended University High School and led the UHS Hilltoppers to two undefeated football seasons in 1946 and 47 as their QB and represented UHS as a WV state all-star. Dick was then recipient of a scholarship to play QB for West Virginia University, where he proudly represented the Mountaineers from 1949-51. Most recently, Dick had the experience of being honored as one of the WVU 25 Greatest Living QBs during the 2011 ceremony held in Morgantown. He joined WVU QB greats such as Jeff Hostetler, Marc Bulger, Pat White, Major Harris, and Oliver Luck. An honor that he and his family cherished.
In 1957 Dick and Velma moved to Moorestown, NJ where he began his long-time teaching and coaching career at Moorestown High School and a storied football coaching partnership with his great friend and colleague George Masters, Sr. Together, they established a Quaker legacy of developing generations of great teams, players, and men. The outpouring of appreciation from Quaker Football alumni has been an incredible part of Dicks life for the past 63 years. Just four months ago three of his former players invited him to lunch and as word spread it turned into a dinner in his honor with more than 70 of his former players. They shared great stories and presented him with a plaque commemorating their appreciation. Dick and his family were very touched by this recent tribute. He has often been the guest of many local sporting association organizations such as a recent invitation to join a former player at the Brooks Irvine Football Club Banquet. A very proud moment that Dick and his family will always treasure- the 2013 NFL Hall of Fame Ceremony in Canton, OH inducting former Green Bay Packer and Quaker Football great, Dave Robinson. Dave invited Dick to be his guest and during his induction speech expressed his appreciation for the impact that Quaker Football had on his life.
Golf was also a lifelong passion of his as Dick coached the Moorestown HS Golf Team for most of his career, winning several state championships and forging many lifelong relationships. Dick loved his time on the links with best friends, former players and family throughout his life. He played the game at a high level and loved the competition and comradery of the sport. It is hard to say whether he cherished the turf of the golf course over the turf of the gridiron, but coaching and playing the game of golf brought Dick and those who had the honor of teeingit up with him great enjoyment. His funny stories, Loring-isms and knowledge of the game, made every round a memorable experience.
In the classroom Dicks love of history was a gift to his students. He had a unique ability to bring history to life with stories that eclipsed the textbook and made the learning experience fun and entertaining. He knew more about the Civil War than could ever be referenced in a textbook. As was stated by a former student, he drew deeply from his own experiences, wove irresistible tales, specialized in jarring details, knew more about the Civil War than the original combatants.
A Visitation will be heldSunday Feb. 9th from 2:00- 4:00 PMat First United Methodist Church of Moorestown, 466 Camden Avenue, Moorestown, NJ 08057, followed by a service to celebrate his life Monday, Feb. 10th, at 10:00 AM.
Dick will be flown home to West Virginia for continued celebration of his life at Smith Funeral Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave, Westover/ Morgantownwith a visitationWednesday, Feb. 12th from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM officiated by Pastor Neil Leftwich of Spruce St. United Methodist Church. Interment with Full Military Honors accorded at the graveside, will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Westover.
The family requests that no flowers be sent, and that donations in Dicks memory be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter,30 S 17th St #800, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/PAE).
To send your condolences and other symbolic gestures to his family, please visit www.smithfcc.com.
Tributes
"This man had a direct influence in my life and I'm so blessed to have many wonderful memories of our visits talks and time together including my childhood visits to Moorestown over Thanksgiving for many years to see his last High School Football game of the year, and to enjoy Aunt Velma's wonderful cooking! To his visits during my 8-years living in Yorktown, VA when he'd drive to us and spend the night before driving a couple hours to the Outerbanks to spend with his beloved family. We'd enjoy a great home-cooked dinner from Lisa and sit on my deck in the backyard drinking wine and telling stories. Yes he could tell is story or two. My Uncle Dick surely had the "Loring Gift of BS" and I'll really miss this! A great Father, Coach, Man and most of all a Mentor to so many he coached and touched during his time on the earth! Rest in Peace Uncle Dick! And of course, "Go Mountaineers"."
"To the entire Loring family i really enjoyed the beautiful sentiment written about the life and legacy of a true living legend. I read the history of Rick Sr.s life and its an example for all of us to follow and introduce into our own daily lives.I only knew him as Rick Sr. or more simply as Rick Jrs. dad. When I moved to Mooresrown in the middle of my junior year of high school which was not the easiest of adjustments. That being said, Rick Jr. was one of the first fellow students to welcome me and his dad and the entire family welcomed me like we had grown up together. One of my most memorable conversations with Rick was talking about my passion for going into the military to serve as an officer and become a pilot. He was so helpful and informative and it was the path I eventually pursued. I thought if this super dad, coach, teacher and family man that it was a good decision than I was on the right path.Love and Tenderness to the whole family.Blessings,Zamir Siddiqi"
"Dear Mr. Loring, We will miss you "crashing" all of our MHS reunions. You will be missed. Sending my love and prayers to all the Loring family - especially my dear classmate, Cathy Manning. With Deepest Sympathy - Susan Wilkins Johnson"