Richard C Merring

Richard “Dick” C. Merring, 91, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, in Sarasota, FL, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of service, education, athletics, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. A gifted athlete, respected educator, decorated coach, Army veteran, and mentor, his influence reached far beyond the football field and into the lives of generations of students, athletes, colleagues, and friends.

Born in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to Charles Merring and Anna Blitz Merring, he graduated from East Stroudsburg High School in 1953 after an outstanding athletic career. A three-sport athlete, he competed in football, basketball, and baseball, earning All-Pennsylvania Halfback honors and serving as football team captain in 1952.

Following high school, he attended East Stroudsburg University from 1953 to 1957, where he continued his success on the football field as a four-year halfback and senior captain. His collegiate accomplishments included earning All-State Conference and Little All-American honors in 1956. His name remains in the university record books with a 98-yard punt return and a 98-yard kickoff return, records that reflected both his exceptional athleticism and determination.

After graduating from college, he proudly served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. While stationed in Korea, he continued playing football, earning All-Army honors. He participated in the Army-Navy Game in Seoul, where his team won by 50 points, and later competed in the Tokyo Championship in the Army-Air Force game.

Upon returning home, he began what would become a remarkable career in education and coaching. His first teaching position was at Stroudsburg High School, where he taught from 1960 to 1966. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to developing young people both in the classroom and on the athletic field.

His coaching résumé was extensive and distinguished. He served as Head Football Coach at East Stroudsburg High School for fourteen years, Assistant Football Coach at Stroudsburg High School for seven years, Head Football Coach of the semi-professional Pocono Mountaineers for three years, and spent two years coaching football in Bolzano, Italy. In addition to football, he coached wrestling, baseball, and track, helping countless student-athletes grow into confident young adults.

One of the highlights of his coaching career came in 1975 when he led East Stroudsburg High School to an undefeated football season and was honored as Easton Area Coach of the Year. While coaching wrestling, he won the league championship in 1966.

Even after leaving the sidelines, his love of athletics continued through officiating. He served as a PIAA Wrestling Official for twenty-five years and a PIAA Softball Official for eighteen years, remaining an important figure in Pennsylvania athletics for decades.

Away from sports, he embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He traveled to every continent except South America, always eager to experience new places and cultures. He was a lifelong, die-hard fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants and loved sharing stories from his life. Among his favorites were memories of spending time at Albino's, Rudy's, and the Elks Club, where he had the opportunity to meet baseball legends Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, and Whitey Ford while they were bowling.

Those who knew him will forever remember one of his favorite sayings, often shared during speeches:

"Throughout his life he has gone from one end of Prospect to the other."

The phrase reflected the remarkable journey of a man who was born on Prospect Street in East Stroudsburg and will now be laid to rest at the opposite end of Prospect Street, overlooking the very football field where he played, coached, inspired, and changed the lives of so many young athletes.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Robert (in infancy), Carol (Art), Jug (Betty), Maryann (Fred), Jack, and Helen; his stepson J.J. Bunnell; and his step-grandson Johnathan Bunnell.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Joan Stanley Bunnell, whom he married on July 3, 1993. He is also survived by his children, Mick Merring of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and his child Taylor; Michelle (Mark) Wilgus and their children, Austin and Brandon; his stepchildren Craig (Stephanie) Bunnell with granddaughter Kalli and a great-grandson Landon; and daughter-in-law Joanne and granddaughter Jackie. He also leaves behind many extended family members, former students, athletes, colleagues, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by his kindness, encouragement, and example.

Whether known as Coach, Teacher, Official, Veteran, Husband, Father, Grandfather, or Friend, he believed in bringing out the best in others. His legacy lives on not only in trophies, records, and championships, but in the character, confidence, and values he instilled in thousands of young people. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

There will be a celebration of life held in Florida and Pennsylvania at a later date.