WALTHAM, Mass. – Brandeis University Hall of Fame football player Dick Baldacci '56 passed away on March 25th at the age of 86.
Baldacci was a four-year member of the football team, playing both offensive and defensive lineman. Her served the team's captain as a senior in 1955. Baldacci was known as one of the top linemen in program history, earning induction in the Brandeis Hall of Fame in 2000. Baldacci's teams never posted a losing record, going 19-11-1 in his four seasons.
An art major, Baldacci went on to serve in the military before earning a Master's in Education from Harvard.
Baldacci settled in Swampscott, Massachusetts, where he was an art teacher and football and tennis coach for 35 years.
Baldacci's handiwork graces the Gosman Athletic Center, as his bust of head football coach and National Football Hall of Famer Benny Friedman sits in the lobby to the building. Busts of teammate Charlie Napoli '58 and William McKenna '55, the University's first All-American in any sport, can be found in the Napoli trophy room, as can a charcoal illustration of another teammate, Ed Manganiello '54.
Due to the current state of emergency, a private service for the family will be held and a celebration of his life will be planned at a future date. Arrangements under the direction of the Solimine Funeral Home, Lynn. Friends are encouraged to leave condolences for the family at www.solimine.com