Richard J. Powers | Vietnam veteran, 63

Richard J. Powers, 63, of East Lansdowne, an educator, coach, and Vietnam War veteran, died of a heart attack Saturday, Jan. 22, at home.

Mr. Powers, who was an infant when his father died, was educated with his older brother at Girard College, then a school for fatherless boys.

After graduating, he joined the Navy, and from 1967 to 1968 did a tour of duty in Vietnam as a radioman aboard river patrol boats.

After his discharge, he struggled to live a full life because of a psychological disability triggered by wartime experiences, said his wife, Dolores Van Belle Powers.

Mr. Powers earned a bachelor's degree from Temple University and taught physical education in the Philadelphia School District. For years, he was on the wrestling, soccer, and cross-country coaching staffs at Girard College. He and his wife were Girard house parents from 1976 to 1982.

Mr. Powers kept in touch with the boys who had been under their care, his wife said, and had great affection for the school. He served as representative for his graduating class and was active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars post at Girard.

For years, Mr. Powers sold collectibles at flea markets, specializing in sports memorabilia.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, he is survived by a brother, Edward; a sister, Patricia Tyler; and 11 nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at O'Leary Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield, and after 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, 153 Penn Blvd., East Lansdowne, where a Funeral Mass will be said at 10. Burial will be SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.

Memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250.