David F. Stecchi Print E-mail

David F. Stecchi

 
 David F. Stecchi, 76, a well known resident of Dracut, died Saturday, January 7th at his home after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Dr. Janice M. (Horman) Stecchi with whom he celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on June 13, 2011.
 Born in New York City, April 4, 1935, the son of the late David J. and the late Helen D. (Kuszek) Stecchi, he attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1954. He then went on to graduate from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and received his Masters Degree in Education in 1966 from Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts.
 Dave proudly served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of the undefeated 1959 Marine Corps football team at Quantico in northwest Virginia.
 Before retiring, Dave was a teacher and coach at Dracut High School where he taught business, history, civics and drivers education for over 35 years.
 He was Head Football Coach at Dracut High School from 1992 to 1997, Assistant Coach at DHS from 1968 to 1991 with Coach Edmund Murphy and was Assistant Coach at Lowell High School from 1963 to 1967 with Coach Ray Riddick. In addition, he was Head Coach of the DHS Spring Track Team at DHS from 1964 to 1998. He was a founding member of Dracut Pop Warner football.
 He also worked as a football and track official and was an Ambassador and Mountain Guide at the Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine.
 In 1995, he was inducted into the Lowell High School Hall of Fame for football and track and in 2008 he was inducted into the College of the Holy Cross Football Hall of Fame.
 In addition to his wife Janice, Dave is survived by three sons David F. Stecchi, Jr. of Dracut, MA, William J. Stecchi and his wife Linda of Hampton, NH and Joseph D. Stecchi and his wife Leslie of Portland, ME; a grandson Jack T. Stecchi of Hampton, NH; two step-granddaughters Haley and Drew Etskovitz of Ashland, MA; a sister Helen S. Carver and her husband Norman R. Carver, Sr. of Dracut, MA; a niece Dawn C. Jubinville and her husband Roger of Dracut, MA; a nephew Norman R. Carver, Jr. and his wife Samantha of Dracut, MA; and several grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews and many cousins.
 He was also father of the late Thomas J. Stecchi.
 
STECCHI - In Dracut, January 7, 2012, at home, David F. Stecchi of Dracut, husband of Janice M. (Horman) Stecchi. Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher in Lowell from 3 to 8 P.M. Tuesday. His Funeral will take place from the Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon at 12 o’clock followed by a Funeral Mass at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH (Lower Church) in Lowell at 1 o’clock. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the College of the Holy Cross Athletic Department, 1 College St., Worcester, MA 01610. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Directors John W. Crane and James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978 or 866) 458-8768.  
Condolences (27)
  • Todd Creeden  - A Great Influence
    Coach Stecchi was and continues to be a great influence in my life. Thank you Coach. Thank you for the years at DHS where you taught me in the classroom and on the football field. And thank you for the many life lessons you taught me.
  • Kathy ( Underwood ) Jacques  - Deeply sorry Jan & Family
    You were once our neighbor, then I got to wait on you and the family alot at JJ Boomer's. He was a great man & has a beautiful family. So sorry I didn't get to make the service. May he rest in peace. Bless you all Kathy
  • Beverly Volicer  - UMass Lowell
    Hi Jan, My deepest sympathy for you at this time. I am so sorry, and my thoughts are with you. Take good care, Bev
  • Peter Natsios  - Great man
    My deepest sympathies to the Stecchi family. I had the good fortune to have experienced Dave Stecchi as a teacher and coach in football and track. He set high standards of commitment and effort, but was also patient and compassionate. He had the rare ablility to make you feel good about yourself. A truly great man and role model to many of us. He will be greatly missed.
  • Mike Marchelletta  - He Touched So Many Lives
    I will always remember Coach Stecchi fondly. On the football field his presence alone gave us the attitude we needed to compete at a high level. He was confident and enthusiastic and his physical appearance was impressive. He impacted so many player's lives. As a teacher, I had him in the classroom and we never talked football. He was a well-rounded man and had many other interests and he was passionate about those interests. You will be remembered here forever Dave Stecchi.
  • Linda Kistler
    Sincere sympathy on the loss of Dave after a tough and valiant struggle with ParkinsonsDisease. I am sure your loving care for him was a huge source of comfort and a tribute to your love. Jim and I are keeping you and Dave in our thoughts here in the California desert. With deep sympathy on your loss. Linda and Jim Kistler
  • April Corcoran
    Coach Stecchi was my high school history teacher at Dracut High in 1996. He was the best. I know everyone that knew him will miss him dearly. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the Stecchi family.
  • Jean and Ernie  - No Words
    Jan, no words can express the deep sorrow you are feeling. Dave was and always will be remembered as a friend and mentor to many kids at DHS, my son, Scott, being one of them. It is conforting to know that Jason will have such a wonderful man with him in heaven. Love, Jean and Ernie
  • David Sancartier
    Sorry for the loss of one in a million,Dave was a great guy .
  • Don Higgins  - A Gentleman
    Please accept my condolences on your loss of a Husband, Father, Grandfather and our loss of a truely wonderful gentleman.
  • Mary-Lou (Burns) Conway  - Nursingschool classmate and friend.
    Dear Jan,it is difficult to say what I feel after reading your e-mail to Peggy tonight. You have my admiration for the love and perserverance in caring for Dave. It's never easy however long . You bravely travelled with him to our 50th reunion and other luncheons in New England, and made it look so easy. I was happy to see him since I went to LHS at the same time. For all that you have accomplished, I honor the person you are.....for the wife and mother you have been. Mary-Lou.
  • Joseph, Kathy, Sarah Kirane  - Jan & Family
    Jan & Family, sadden to hear of the passing of Dave, such a kind, loving man, he will be deeply missed, our prayers are with you and your family.
  • Christina Paige
    I had Mr. Stecchi as a business teacher in 1994 and have fond memories of his class..He had a winning personality and always made us laugh and smile. He will be truly missed.
  • Christina Paige  - Class of 1994
    I had Mr. Stecchi for business class and i couldn't ask for a better teacher...He always made us laugh and smile. He will be missed.
  • Melanie Curren  - Deeest Sympathy
    Dear Mrs Stecchi, Coach Stecchi is and will forever be one of my fondest memories of Dracut High School! He was an amazing teacher and mentor to us all even if we didn't have the opportunity to play for him! I will never forget his stories about Sunday River! I wish you peace during this difficult time. Melanie
  • Bill. Cavanaugh
    I am very lucky to have been taught, coached, and coached with Mr. Stecchi. He will be deeply missed. He was there for me and I will never forget it.
  • Rich & MJ Mastrovich  - UMass Lowell Athletics (Retired)
    Dear Jan, We were so sorry to read about Dave's passing. He was a wonderful man. Please know that many people care about you and share in your loss. Rich & MJ Mastrovich, Palm Bay, FL
  • Mike Kulis
    I am sorry to hear about Mr.Stecchi's passing.I just read it in the Globe.I had Mr. Stecchi for a couple of classes and he was a great teacher and coach. I will always remember him with great respect. Mike Kulis Woburn
  • Susan
    I had Coach Stecchi for Drivers Ed, back in 1979. He was a wonderful man. I was sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of of you at this sad time.
  • Bill Phelan  - Your Loss
    Jan, Please accept my deepest condolences over the loss of your husband. I admire your courage in the face of a difficult long-term illness. Bill
  • Steve Nutter
    Dean Stecchi and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Coach was a wonderful man, who was there to guide, teach, motivate and encourage me at a time in my life when it was very needed. He was always "in my corner", as you were years later, encouraging me to push on and succeed, sometimes in difficult times. Something I've never forgotten. My prayers are with you and coach.
  • Jim and Donna Aho
    We are sorry to hear of Dave's passing...we alway's respected everything you both accomplished as a couple..and much admiration for you Jan for the love care and devotion you gave to Dave in his later year's..we are thinking and praying for you and your family..love Donna and Jim
  • Kevin Daigle  - Thanks Coach.
    Mrs. Stecchi and family, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Dave was an important mentor and role model for me as a young student and athlete. The world is a lesser place without him. Kevin Daigle
  • Pat Onanian  - HHVNA-Saints Medical Liaison
    Dear Jan & Family, My prayers are with you all, God speed David! Sincerely, Pat Onanian
  • Bobby Murphy
    Dear Mrs.Stecchi, Big guy, Billy, & Joe. Just informed about the Bear's passing. Very sad day in the lives of all that knew him and he will be greatly missed. I feel very fortunate to have been part of your family in my younger years and in this very difficult time, we want to express our heart heavy condolances. Bobby & Christine Murphy
  • Bruce & Carol Larson  - We Weep
    Jan, David, Joe and Bill We are so sad to learn of Dave's passing. He did, however, put up one hell of a fight and, Jan, without you we would have lost him years ago. We look forward to paying our respects Tuesday and will see you all then. God Bless You All, Bruce and Carol
  • ellen Duggan
    Dear Jan,Just saw the sad news about Dave.I am so sorry.Am keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Ellen
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