Richard F. Nye 1945-2025 – Franklin County Free Press

It is with great love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard F. Nye, affectionately known as Coach Nye, who died peacefully on August 4, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 80.

Born on July 28, 1945, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Richard was the beloved son of Isabelle and Richard Nye.

He was a standout athlete at Chambersburg Area Senior High School, where he broke multiple records in football and track, earned All-State honors, and played in the prestigious Big 33 Football Classic.

He began his college football career at the University of Maryland, later transferring to West Chester University, where he continued to shine and played in two Tangerine Bowl games.

After earning his degree, Richard began a lifelong career in education and coaching. He taught and coached in Pennsylvania during the 1970s at the Scotland School for Veterans’ Children and Chambersburg High School, while also playing semi-professional football for the Chambersburg Cardinals. He later served as an assistant football coach at Shippensburg University before relocating to Colorado.

In Denver, Coach Nye became a respected educator and coach at George Washington High School, where he taught English and coached football and track and field for more than 20 years. He was part of the most successful football coaching staff in Denver Public Schools history, helping secure seven city championships. He was honored as Coach of the Year by Denver Public Schools—the first assistant coach ever to receive the award—and was selected to coach in the Colorado All-State Football Game. As the head track and field coach, he earned multiple additional coaching honors including Denver Public Schools Coach of the Year.

After retiring from teaching, he continued coaching at Eaglecrest High School, Denver South High School, and Denver Christian Academy. He also served over a decade as a Project Manager for the Jobs by George Foundation, supporting youth employment, and was a founding contributor to the Denver Youth Initiative.

Coach Nye was known not only for his fierce dedication to coaching but for the warmth and wisdom he shared with everyone he met. His signature phrase, “Life is Good,” became his life’s motto—one he shared at the end of every game, in every classroom, and with every friend.

Richard’s personality was as vibrant as his legacy. He loved telling stories (even the ones you heard a dozen times), scratch-off tickets, candy, Arnold Palmers, gambling, pizza, ice cream, and movies. His kindness and humor made him a cherished friend, mentor, and confidant.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leslie Nye, who respectfully requests privacy at this time.

He also leaves behind his beloved children and grandchildren: daughter Danielle Teter, her husband Garry, and their daughters Kylee, Jessica, and Alyssa; daughter Kristin Nye and her husband Shawn Ray; son Aaron Trench, his wife Christine, and their son Austin; brother Dirk Nye, his partner Regine Bendelow; and niece Corry Nye and her husband Lee Lazzara.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kramer Affordable Cremation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Coach Nye’s name to one of the following organizations:

The Alzheimer’s Association

Donations may be made in memory of Coach Nye to support research and care services:

• Online: www.alz.org
• By mail: Alzheimer’s Association
  P.O. Box 96011
  Washington, DC 20090-6011

The Jobs by George Foundation

Coach Nye devoted many years to this foundation, which provides employment and educational opportunities for Denver-area youth. Donations in his name may support scholarship initiatives for students.

• By mail:
  Jobs by George Foundation
  c/o Kleinman, Guerra & Co. PC
  6300 S Syracuse Way, Suite 430
  Centennial, CO 80111

Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit, teachings, and laughter will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.

“Life is Good.”

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