In Memoriam: Dick Suprunowicz

Dick Suprunowicz played for the Elmira Colonels of the ABL in the 1951-52 season.

Richard Suprunowicz, 91, of Schenectady, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Ellis Hospital after being stricken at home. Born on December 21, 1927 in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Makary and Ida Piotrowski Suprunowicz. Dick is remembered as a talented athlete. He was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady where he played basketball alongside of his older brother Mack, both receiving full scholarships to universities. Dick played basketball for Syracuse University where he received his bachelor's degree and later went on to attend Union College, receiving his master's in education. After college, Dick felt it was his duty to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. Dick began his career in education, first working for the Schenectady School District at Central Park Junior High teaching math and science. He then went to work at Mont Pleasant High School teaching math and coaching basketball, golf, tennis, and bowling. He continued on to Linton High School as a math teacher and retired as Assistant Principal in 1984. Dick was a communicant and served as an usher with St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer, bowler, and for his basketball achievements, was nominated into both the Schenectady High School Athletic Hall of Fame and New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by a son, William Suprunowicz in 2001 and his brother, Mack Suprunowicz in 2010. Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Miller Suprunowicz, whom he married on October 13, 1951; his children, Michael Suprunowicz of Schenectady and Joan (Mark) Brucker of Rotterdam; his brother, Walter Suprunowicz of SC; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Krista, and Michael Suprunowicz, Christopher (Rachel), Daniel, and Stephen (Julie) Brucker, and Patrick Suprunowicz; several nieces, nephews and countless athletes, players and students who he referred to as "his kids".