Richard Joseph Abraham
Born on September 14, 1929 in Lansing, MichiganPassed on January 19, 2026 in Rockledge, Florida
Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, teacher, coach, mentor and friend, Richard Joseph Abraham passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026 at the grand age of 96.
Richard was born on September 14, 1929 in Lansing, Michigan to Charles and Josephine Abraham. He excelled in sports from a young age and was inducted into Sexton High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Richard was captain of the undefeated 1948 Alma College football team and transferred to Michigan State University in 1949 where he played center and linebacker. He captained the MSU National Championship Billiard team in spring of 1952 and graduated MSU in 1952.
Richard began his coaching and teaching career in Rogers City, Michigan in the fall of 1952. In 1956 he moved with his family to Cadillac, Michigan to teach and coach at Cadillac High School. His football teams were undefeated in 1962 and 1963. His students, players and friends in Cadillac always held a special place in his heart.
In the fall of 1964, Richard and his beloved wife Mary Lou (Lantz) moved his family to Eau Gallie Florida where, among other teaching and coaching endeavors, he served as Athletic Director, football and swim coach at Satellite High. Richard was Coach of the Year four times and retired in 1992 after 40+ years of coaching and teaching.
Richard has maintained the respect and love of so many people throughout his life. Numerous people have told his family members what an influence he had on their lives and how he helped shape them to be the persons that they became. One particularly close friend and previous player on his Cadillac football team said that a part of him died with Richard when he learned of his passing. That is the kind of impact this special man made on people.
“Daddio” or “Papa” or “Coach”, as he was often called, will forever be missed, loved and remembered by his family as the devoted, compassionate, loving, kind and fun father that he was. He loved doing his Word Search and Sudoku puzzles, slot machine games, watching football, fishing and was always ready to join in a Bingo game.
He is survived by his four children: Jacquelyn (John) , Nancy (Ty) , Richard and William, two grandsons; Fred (Lorelei) and Joseph (Kim) Eaton, and four great-grandchildren, Marylou, Jake, Tabitha and Abigail, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved him dearly.
Richard was preceded in death by Mary Lou, his parents, and his six brothers, Bob, John, George, Louie, Bud and Eddie.
A private family service will be held.
