Conneaut Richard Paul Fitch, formerly of Boardman, Ohio, passed away Thursday morning at the Ashtabula County Medical Center at the age of 75 after a long battle with Coronary Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Dick Fitch was born March 10, 1941 at Southside Hospital, son of the late Raymond and Ruth Fitch . He was a graduate of Southside High School, graduating in 1959. He attended YSU for a few years and worked at Republic Steel in the open hearth before getting a job with the Ohio Department of Transportation. Over the course of 30 years working for O.D.O.T., he was eventually promoted to civil engineer. As a project engineer, he supervised construction of roads and bridges throughout the local area, sometimes managing the most difficult and challenging jobs and projects. He ran them with integrity and dedication, always being a good shephard of taxpayer's dollars. After his retirement from the state, he continued to work as a consultant for Thomas Fok and Associates. He had a profound interest in children and coaching. He coached as an assistant and head coach for twenty years in various football programs including, United Excavating, St. Christine's, Canfield Cardinals, Youngstown Christian, Boardman Little Spartans, and Youngstown Wilson Little Redmen. He ran many successful football programs winning more than a dozen championships. As a pee wee coach, he developed early athletic skills in children, many of whom would go on to play college football, and after four played on the same team they went on professionally, including Matt Cavanaugh. He was a mentor and father figure to many children and young adults. He enjoyed helping people and promoted education, hard work, and personal development. In retirement, he settled in Conneaut on the shores of Lake Erie enjoying the company of his sons and many friends. Dick is survived by his two sons, Richard Fitch and Michael Fitch Both of Conneaut and his half brother Bill (Jinny) Newman, his ex-wife of 18 years, Donna Pence, and a second ex-wife. He is also survived by, six step-daughters, Joyce Ruscetti, Julie Rhoades, Amy Reecer, Laura Lascola, Jeanette Rich, Jeanean Quay, and step-grandchildren; Diana Kaplan, Gregory Rhoades, Catherine Ruscetti, Joe Lascola, Alexia Lascola, Jacquelyn Reecer, Jenna Reecer, Lauren Rich, Dave Rich, Michael Quay, Rachael Quay, and Step-greatgrandson Gregory Allan Rhoades II. .Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Raymond Fitch and half-sister, Ruth Haulf and half-brother Stearley Newman. Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Fox Funeral Home 4700 Market St. Boardman Ohio, 44512 or on Thursday Morning from 11 to 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be 12 p.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home celebrated by Pastor Russ Adams. Interment will follow at the Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family ask to please make donations in lieu of flowers to Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 2105 Oak Hill Ave. Youngstown, Ohio 44507.