Cranston legend Richard A. “Dick” Ernst passed away Sunday at the age of 78.
Ernst played tennis and hockey at Providence College before participating in amateur competition in famous …
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Cranston legend Richard A. “Dick” Ernst passed away Sunday at the age of 78.
Ernst played tennis and hockey at Providence College before participating in amateur competition in famous exhibitions, such as his tilt with Rod Laver at the Providence Civic Center, during the 1970s.
“So sad to hear that RI hockey and tennis legend Richard ‘Dick’ Ernst passed away,” Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, who played tennis at RIC under Ernst’s tutelage, said on Facebook. “He was my college tennis coach and for all those that knew him, he was more than a coach...he was an all around great guy that loved to joke around and enjoy himself.”
Ernst arguably made his greatest impact as a coach, where his illustrious career spanned more than 50 years teaching the two sports he knew best, as well as cross country. He brought his knowledge to the coaching ranks at Providence College, Cranston East and Rhode Island College.
According to his November 2015 letter to the Providence Journal, Ernst said he coached 115 Rhode Island Interscholastic League hockey and tennis teams over 54 years. He won championships at four different institutions, including eight total titles across men’s and women’s sports at RIC.
“My career has ended and all the games, wonderful players and parents are gone, but my dreams were not denied me,” Ernst wrote to the Journal last year. “The great memories are so vivid I get chills reflecting on them.”
Ernst was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2016 for his contributions to the athletic world, which included working with myriad former All-Staters and NHL players.
“Dick’s induction into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame is a fitting capstone to a lifetime of unimaginable activity, sportsmanship, and dedication to others,” the R.I. Heritage Hall of Fame website reads. “He is a true champion not only on the court and rink but in the game of life!”
Ernst is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rollice Anne “Rollie” Jones Ernst, and his two sons, Bob and Gordie. Ernst’s third son, Andy, passed away in 2014 at age 45.
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