Richard V. Leavitt ’76 died on February 18, 2024, in Lewiston, Maine.
(The following was provided by legacy.com Times on February 18, 2024:)
Richard V. Leavitt ’76
Richard (Dick) Leavitt of Sabattus, Maine, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 18, at the age of 70. He was the son of Seward G. and Gertrude J. Leavitt.
Leavitt, more lovingly known as ‘Coach’, was a Hebron Academy and a 1976 Bowdoin College graduate. He won the 1974 and 1975 NCAA championship and was a two-time All-American Division 2 in the shot put. He is still the current Bowdoin College freshman and varsity indoor and outdoor track and field shot put record holder. After Bowdoin, he signed with the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League, only to be the last man cut from the roster. He then signed with the New York Giants, where he played as their long snapper from 1976 to 1978. when he retired due to health issues. Later, in 2018, Coach would be inducted into the Bowdoin Athletic Hall of Honor.
He returned to the football field in Maine to coach high school football at Brunswick High School, Oak Hill High School, Lewiston High School, and as a coach in the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic.
His accomplishments on the field are numerous, but more important to Coach was the work he did to inspire, teach, and mentor young men and women beyond the sports they were competing in. He took great pride in his work as a coach and teacher, for not only his own children, but those of others.
After losing the love of his life, Kelly, in 2016 to cancer after thirty-six years of marriage, Leavitt continued to dedicate himself to enriching the lives of his children and grandchildren, and celebrating their many accomplishments and milestones.
Coach is survived by his children: Amber Leavitt of Leeds; Richard Leavitt II of Sabattus; and Robie Leavitt and his wife, Katherine, of Somerset County, and a brother, Robie, of Longwood Florida. He also leaves behind his grandkids who tenderly called him Big Papa: Kadence, Loki, Kaylee, and Sam.
Dick always had a grin for me when we crossed paths on campus – and always a twinkle in his eye. A good guy.
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/02/23/dick-leavitt-a-two-sport-star-at-bowdoin-and-high-school-football-coach-has-died/
Dear Dick- It was an honor to run on the same teams on which you made Bowdoin and national history throwing the shot. We could always depend on your amazing performances in helping us win so many meets. Rest in peace my friend, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Dick Henderson, 2 mile, XC, Class of 1975
On behalf of Dick’s family, thank you all for the kind words! There will be a celebration of life at Brunswick High School on March 23, 2024 at 1pm.
I am so sorry for the family’s loss. The “Big Fella” was a fraternity brother of mine and a running mate in several escapades. His appearance at my wedding is still talked about in my family. I can’t help but smile when I think of him.