Richard M. DiBartolomeo Sr., age 78 of Eastlake, formerly of Euclid, passed away April 26th, 2026 at Maple Ridge Senior Living in Willoughby. He was born March 4th, 1948 in Cleveland to the late Mario & Antoinette DiBartolomeo.
Rich was a schoolteacher, retiring in 2016 after 42 years of service. His career in teaching spanned from Shaw and Orange High School to Case Western Reserve and John Carroll University. He received his bachelor’s degree at Case Western Reserve and his master’s degree from Cleveland State University.
Rich coached football at all the schools he taught. He was an avid reader, enjoyed watching football, playing cards, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Rich was the loving husband for 56 years to Rose DiBartolomeo (nee Goda); beloved father of Sam (Marcie) DiBartolomeo, and Richard (Dana) DiBartolomeo Jr.; dearest grandfather of Rocco and Alice DiBartolomeo, Cecelia and Anthony DiBartolomeo; brother of Isabelle Potokar, Mary (Harry) Conaway, and the late Nicholas (Charlotte) DiBartolomeo; uncle to many nieces and nephews.
The DiBartolomeo family will receive family and friends from 2:00 – 5:00 PM Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville. A funeral service will be held at 4:30 PM Saturday at the funeral home.
Donations can be made in Rich’s name to the Ashtabula APL www.acapl.org or to the Guide Dogs for The Blind www.guidedogs.com
Reader interactions
17 Replies to “Richard M. DiBartolomeo”
My deepest condolences to you all. I am so sorry for the pain you are all feeling. Rich was a wonderful human.
It was with great sadness that I learned of Rich’s passing. My deepest condolences to you, Rose, and your family. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Coach DiBart was not only a great coach but an amazing role model and teacher. He provided me with academic advice when needed despite being an honor student. He was one of the few coach that actually cared about you of the field. You will be missed and thank you for pouring into so many underprivileged students from East Cleveland ❤️
One of the best teachers I had at Shaw. He made learning fun and was tough when he needs to be.
Rest in Peace
Belle and family so sorry for your loss. I remember Rich from my St. Paul’s days. John and I will keep you in our prayers.
Coach Dibart you will be surely missed. I learned a lot from you during my years at Shaw thank you for your wisdom and guidance.
My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and the family. Coach D was a great man. I enjoyed playing for him at Shaw and later coaching with him at Shaw and Orange. He will definitely be missed by not only myself but many others. So sorry I can’t attend his home going.
Much Love
BIG RED FOREVER
The family has my deepest condolences. This man was my swimming teacher at Shaw High School. He will definitely be missed!!!
I remember Mr. DiBart in the early 70’s while at Kirk Jr he was my football coach very nice and mild manner guy my condolences to the family
I went to Shaw and Mr. Dibrat was a nice homeroom teacher. RIP
I met Mr. DiBart at Kirk, and Mr. DiBart was my Freshman football coach at Shaw. I was never in his class but I had a great relationship with him. He was much loved in East Cleveland. Rest easy Mr. DiBart.
Sean L. Ward
Shaw High Class of 1983
Sending prayers and deepest sympathies to the family
DiBart as we called him at SHS was a great teacher coach and friend. He will be missed by his family and friends. RIP
I worked with DiBart (as everyone called him) a very long time ago at Kirk. He was a good teacher and a great guy. He will be missed.
Mr. DiBart was one of my favorite teachers. He will be truly missed. My prayers are with the family. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Coach Di was inspirational as a person. If not for him I wouldn’t have played my senior year. And when I needed a push to win it was him. You’ll surely be missed.
With deepest sympathy to Rich’s family! He will be missed.
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