Schools
RI Remembers North Kingstown Athletic Director Dick Fossa
North Kingstown Superintendent Phil Auger said Dick Fossa died of heart complications at age 61 on Saturday.
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — Tributes poured in throughout the state this weekend in memory of North Kingstown Athletic Director Dick Fossa, who died this weekend from heart complications after a career dedicated to the student-athletes of Rhode Island.
Superintendent of Schools Phil Auger remembered Fossa, 61, for being "all about living according to to the ideals of good sportsmanship and the joy of sharing school spirit" as he informed the school community of Fossa's death on Saturday.
"His passion was high school athletics," Fossa said, "and every part of his work was for the benefit of our students athletics."
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Auger credited Fossa with being a state leader with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League and respected for his commitment to RI high school and middle school athletes.
"Words can not express the sorrow we all feel as we mourn the loss of Dick Fossa — our friend and colleague," outgoing RIIL Executive Director Tom Mezzanotte posted on social media. "Let his passion for life and athletics guide us all throughout our lives."
Find out what's happening in North Kingstownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The RIIL is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of North Kingstown athletic director Dick Fossa. He was the consummate AD & an even better person. His love & passion for all students & colleagues was evident in everything he did. The RIIL offers its deepest condolences. https://t.co/Is4Io6rNhR
— RIIL (@RIIL_sports) June 14, 2020
Auger said school officials discussed postponing the school's Class of 2020 Car Parade on Sunday — a celebration in lieu of the traditional graduation that could not take place this year due to the coronavirus health emergency — but decided to have the event in Fossa's memory.
"We believe Mr. Fossa would want it this way," Auger wrote. "We know that, along with honoring our seniors, we will be honoring Mr. Fossa in our coming together for a huge town-wide celebration of NKHS school spirit."
Remembering a true role model of sportsmanship and leadership. The many condolences from the North Kingstown, Narragansett, and RIIL communities are testimony to the influence and reach of Dick Fossa. We will miss him greatly! pic.twitter.com/z2RIs5eGgg
— NK Schools (@nk_schools) June 14, 2020
Fossa coached football and was the athletic director at Narragansett High before coming to North Kingstown High as its AD in 2017. He coached Narragansett to two Super Bowl championships during his 14 years and helped oversee a dominant stretch in North Kingstown athletics over the past three years.
He was named the RIIL Athletic Director of the Year in 2019.
Remembering Dick Fossa. His leadership has meant so much to NK! pic.twitter.com/Lb3mowebx4
— NK Schools (@nk_schools) June 14, 2020
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