Richard Stephen “Dick” Lasse, 89, lovingly known as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren and “Dick” to friends, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, athlete, coach, and teacher, his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life and what guided him. He lived a life defined by perseverance, integrity, and love.

He was born in Quincy, Massachusetts on November 13th, 1935, a son of the late Arnold and Thyra (Johnson) Lasse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Arnie Lasse, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dottie”, his sons, Steve (wife Mary) and Kurt (wife Rebecca), his grandchildren, Emily Lasse-Opsahl (husband Gabe) and Eric Lasse, his sister, Ginnie Choukalis and many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love and admiration.

Richard graduated from Worcester Academy in 1954 before going on to an accomplished collegiate academic and athletic career at Syracuse University where he was an All-American in both football and wrestling. He won many accolades during his time there including the Pat Miller Football Award for outstanding athlete student citizen in 1957 and the Bill Horr Most Valuable Player award in football in 1957. He graduated from Syracuse in 1958 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and his Master of Education from Northeastern University in 1962. His excellence on the field earned him a place in the National Football League, where he played linebacker for five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, and New York Giants. As a tight end, he blocked for Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown for three years at Syracuse and then tried to tackle him for five years as a linebacker in the NFL. In 1994 he was named a Letterwinner of Distinction by the Syracuse Athletic Association Varsity Club.

Following his playing career, Richard turned to coaching, notably at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. In 1965, he became the first football coach in the college’s history, starting the program from the ground up, then moving on to coach at Harvard University. He was also the founder and first president of the New England Football Conference. He later served as football and track coach at Geneva College in Beaver Falls from 1974 to 1980. He finished his coaching career at Citrus High School in Inverness, Florida from 1980 to 1982. He also served Citrus County public schools by teaching at the Marine Science Station and later as a school social worker who had a positive impact on many students during the 1980s and 1990s.

Richard served in many churches as usher, deacon, elder, and trustee. He was a faithful steward of the blessings God bestowed on him.

He was known for his charm, wit, and a heart full of kindness and to his family, he was a steady source of warmth and joy as a man of God with a tough shell and a soft heart, always ready to offer a smile or lend a helping hand. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

Friends and family will be welcomed on Saturday, May 24th for a visitation for Richard from 10 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11 a.m., in the Beaver Falls Christian Assembly Church, 814 Lincoln Place, Beaver Falls, with Pastor Dale Russo officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Beaver Falls Christian Assembly Church, 814 Lincoln Place, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.