“Small in stature he was nevertheless a giant; quiet in demeanor his voice was always heard.”
On Aug. 17, a gentle giant went to the great football field in the sky. Richard Pont was born on Sept. 5, 1930, in Canton, Ohio to the late Juan Bautista Pont and Susannah Sikurinec Pont. He was an avid historian and traveler, but he enjoyed time with family and friends the most. His love for Yale football was only surpassed by his love for his family and the friends that became family.
Coach Richie Pont, as he was known, always presented a wonderful example of what a “man” could and should be. A loving husband and father. A loyal friend. A strong leader with a thoughtful and considerate presence in addition to being a fierce and fair competitor.
The foundation of Coach Pont’s long career as a football player and coach was the Canton sandlot football of his youth. After graduation from Canton Timken High School in 1948, Pont went on to star as a running back at Bowling Green University (1949 to 1951), earning Most Valuable Player honors in 1950. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1952 and played football for the Fort Eustis Wheels before transferring to Korea in 1953 where he served with distinction with the 2nd Infantry Division and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Pont began his football coaching career upon his return from Korea at Miami University working together with his brother, Coach John Pont. He then moved on to coaching positions at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio (Assistant, 1956 to 1960), where he met his bride Sarah of almost 60 years, and Steubenville Central Catholic High School (Head Coach, 1961 to 1967) before moving on to a long career as the offensive backfield coach at Yale University under Carm Cozza (1968 to 1995). During his esteemed tenure at Yale, Coach Pont’s backfield was a dominant presence on Ivy League gridirons. He helped transform the lives of countless young men who went on to prestigious football careers. However, most important he helped shape their lives off the playing field through his quiet grace and unfailing compassion. Coach’s lessons on the field taught his players how to face future life obstacles. “Just flow through, don’t lock on, just flow through.”
Coach Richie poured his heart and soul into every aspect of his life, living a life of commitment to family, friends, work, and faith with an understated style. His words will gently echo in the memories of so many people—“And when trouble is hurtling towards you, when it arrives, don’t stiffen up, don’t brace. Accept it with calm and grace and soft hands, soft hands.”
A twinkle in his eye and his wry smile are the words most used to describe Richard Pont. When football season arrives, Coach Pont’s spirit will be waving in the breeze at Yale Bowl Lot F and he will be smiling with a pint of ale and some kielbasa. While we will miss him terribly, Heaven just got a little brighter. Rest easy Coach and thank you for your soft hands, love, and respect for a life well lived.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sarah (Russell) Pont; children Joe (Angela), Sally (Steve Lawrence), Mary (Dave Strong), and Cathy (Dean Harvey); and his grandchildren, Max and Harry Pont, Fitz and Miles Lawrence, Zu Zu and Thomas Pont Strong, and Elsie Tierney.
A memorial Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Aug. 23, at St. Mary Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Burial was private. The W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, Branford, was in care of arrangements. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Closer to Free Fund, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. Please see his online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.
