GEORGETOWN - Raymond B. Barkauskie "Coach", passed away with family by his side on Sunday, March 25, 2018. He left this earth the same way he lived his life, a fighter. He would not want us to focus on how his life ended, but rather, how fully he lived it.
He was born on Aug. 14, 1930 in Kulpmont, Pa. to Mary and Bruno Barkauskie. When he was a teenager he met and fell in love with a girl from Mt. Carmel named Rosemary, who would remain by his side for the next 70 years. He graduated from Kulpmont High School, where he excelled on the football field, earning a full scholarship to play for the Wolfpack at North Carolina State University. While at NC State, he was coached by the great Beattie Feathers, played both offense and defense and left his heart out on the field every game. He would lead his team as Captain in his final season.
He went on to serve in the U.S Army, stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama, then the U.S Army Reserves in Lewes, where he spent some time as Company Commander. After 16 years of service he was honorably discharged as a Captain and would go on to teach industrial arts, drafting and shop at Georgetown High School, which would eventually become Sussex Central High School. He split his time between the classroom and the football field, sharing his love of the game as head coach for the high school's football team for many years. "Coach" retired following decades of service, but continued teaching adult education classes in wood-working and cabinet-making in addition to assuming the role of Building & Maintenance Coordinator for St. Edmonds and St. Jude's Catholic Churches.
He was a man who never had idle hands, always creating and building something beautiful. He so often smelled of sawdust and mineral spirits from the countless hours spent building and tinkering in his beloved garage. When he wasn't in there, he was tending to his garden, watching any and all football, fishing, playing darts, watching golf and always cheering on NC State. He also cherished his monthly get together with Bob K, Johnny, Rich, Eddie, Bob B. Sonny, and Frank.
He based his life on a philosophy of football. In the words of Vince Lombardi, "There is only one way to succeed in anything and that is to give it everything." Ray and his two older brothers, Al and Bernie, left a football legacy in Kulpmont, as evidenced by the plaques on the old football field location as well as all three being inducted in to the Ed Romance Chapter of the State of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Coach loved his family and loved his ball players, especially his Undefeated 1961 team. His wife Rose always said she played second fiddle to football but she would not have had it any other way. She is and will always remain his biggest fan.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Al and Bernie; as well as his parents, Bruno and Mary.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosemary Barkauskie; his son, Ron and Susan of Lewes; his daughter, RaeAnn and Mike of Selbyville; his grandchildren, Lindsey and her husband, Jay, Kyle and his wife, Ashley, Joshua and his wife, Jessica; his great-grandchildren, Leo, Wynne, Jake, Sloan and a beautiful baby boy due in May; his nieces and nephews, Bernie, Jr., Maryann, Barry, Brian, Cynthia, Rich and Jack.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to Dr. Dustin Davis for always being just a phone call away as well as additional thanks to the wonderful and compassionate care provided by Delaware Hospice.
A viewing will be held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown on Friday, March 30, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A funeral service will follow. Burial will be at the Union Cemetery in Georgetown.
The family welcomes all to a Celebration of Coach Barkauskie's life immediately following interment at the Georgetown Fire Hall. Flowers are welcome. Donations may be made in Coach's name to: Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.