Richard Dewing Prouty
10/11/1930 – 1/14/2022
Richard D. Prouty 91 of Newington, CT passed peacefully on January 14, 2022 with his family at his side. Richard (Dick) was born in MA on October 11,1930 to the late John Abner Prouty & Grace Prouty. He is survived by his wife of 65 years - Joanne (McDonald) Prouty, his daughters - Dorrie Ann Prouty and Virginia Ellen Prouty, and his son - Richard Keith Prouty; Also, four grandsons – Gabriel Eaves, Isaac Eaves, Zack Prouty, & Zeph Prouty; Two granddaughters – Bryanna Prouty & Cazia Prouty; Two nephews – John Taylor & Thomas Prouty; And a niece – Kathryn Prouty. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Maxine Taylor, brother, Gordon Prouty, and niece, Diane (Taylor) Hughes.
He graduated Dean Academy in 1949, and Springfield College receiving both a B.S. & Master's Degree in 1953 & 1958 – majoring in Teacher Education and minoring in Physical Education. At Wesleyan University he fulfilled his seventh-year teaching certification with thirty hours beyond his master’s degree in 1964- and sixty-hours curriculum & subject related graduate courses were completed in 1982.
Upon his graduation from Springfield, he accepted positions at Holland Central High School in New York, where he taught social studies and coached varsity soccer and basketball for one year. In 1954 he returned to Massachusetts to take a position at Huntington High School where he also taught social studies, coached varsity basketball and soccer, while being the Director of Athletics and in 1958 became Vice Principal. He continued his studies at Springfield and received his Master’s Degree in 1958. In 1960 he continued his career of teaching and coaching for 29 years in the New Britain, Connecticut school system - first, teaching social studies and U.S. history at Pulaski Senior High School where he also coached varsity basketball from 1961-74, tennis from 1962-80 and served as Vice Principal from 1967-80. He achieved the Outstanding Coach of the Year award issued by CHSCH in 1976. In 1980 he accepted the vice principal position at New Britain High School while teaching social studies, coaching tennis & girls' soccer. In total, Richard taught senior high school for 35 years, worked in administrative capacity for 17 years, and coached varsity level sports for 33 years.
Other interests and accomplishments included serving as a member of CIAC State High School Committee from 1978-88, Director of Class M state tennis tournaments from 1978-84, and a certified swim meet official for Central and Western CT – including state and championship meets from 1978-87. He was a member of the USTA serving on the N.E. Tournament Committee as well as being a ranked tennis player himself from 1979-83, holding the Father/Daughter N.E. title in 1979-80. He was an avid athlete who was a fierce competitor on the tennis court, holding many championship titles both locally and nationally. His other passions were his family, friends, coaching/mentoring and a love for U.S. History. He was a Free Mason, but most importantly a Christian who enjoyed his Sunday congregational gatherings. He was a dedicated advocate for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, The Wounded Warriors Project, and The Humane Society - to name a few. A few years after his retirement in 1989, he and his beloved wife relocated to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Front Royal, VA to enjoy a quieter lifestyle and be closer to his brother, Gordon. They enjoyed retirement by spending time with family and friends, traveling, kayaking and of course he continued playing plenty of tennis. Ultimately, he came back to CT for the last few years of his life.
Richard will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, teacher, coach, mentor and a human being who made a positive impact on many. We will truly miss him. There will be a 'Celebration of Life' service at the Plainville Congregational Church to be announced at a later date and he will be laid to rest in Westborough, MA come spring. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Hartford Healthcare Home Hospice personnel and affiliates for their kindness and professionalism. Please forward any donations to the CT Humane Society.
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