Richard “Rich” G. Longfellow Jr. died on May 3, after a courageous fight with cancer. Known to most as Coach Rich, he began playing soccer while living in Okinawa, Japan at the age of 15.
After graduating from Brackenridge High School in 1974, he started his own flooring and installation business and began coaching his kids’ soccer teams. Throughout his career, Longfellow had the opportunity to travel the country, training and mentoring soccer players of all ages. His love of the game and dedication to serving his community will forever be remembered by the San Antonio soccer community.
Longfellow was also an avid photographer who enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and taking his camper to the beach.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Janie Longfellow; his daughter Jennifer Longfellow, an attorney in Dallas; his son Joshua Longfellow, an event service manager with Hyatt; Sabrina Longfellow, an executive recruiting coordinator for USAA; Dallas Longfellow, a soccer trainer at Texas Military Institute; and by his many friends and former soccer players.
A scholarship has been set up in his name by the Urban Soccer Leadership Academy, which will provide need-based scholarships to current soccer players pursuing higher education. The family asks that you please consider donating to this fund in lieu of flowers.
