Richard Arthur Lantz

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm Monday, April 3 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 401 Alderman Road in Charlottesville, VA. Arrangements are made by Teague Funeral Services. The family also plans to have a celebration of life in Old Saybrook, Connecticut later this summer.

Rick was born in New Britain, Connecticut to the late Arthur and Mary Lantz. He was also preceded in death by his beloved younger brother Kenneth Lantz. After graduating from New Britain High School, Rick embarked on the adventure of his life when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from Central Connecticut State University and then began a 43-year career coaching college and professional football. Thirty of those years were spent as a defensive coordinator because to win, you’ve got to defend! Who can ever forget the goal line stand to end the UVA-FSU game in 1995? Rick’s career included stops at Navy (twice), Miami, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Louisville and Virginia, the New England Patriots, and the Barcelona Dragons, Berlin Thunder, and Rhein Fire in NFL Europe. He was inducted into the New Britain Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Central Connecticut State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999, but his most treasured moments were the times he spent with his players and fellow coaches. All of his players were as dear to him as his own children and his German Shepherds.

Rick is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Margaret (Peggy) Lantz, his sons Toby Lantz and Terry Lantz and his wife Meredith, his daughters Andrea (Andi) Harris and her husband David and Maureen (Mo) Cooper and her husband Rob, and his brothers-in law Fran (Mary Ann) Rio and Don (Katie) Rio. He was the loving grandfather of Jessica, Hunter, Tyson, Adam, Jake, and Olivia, and he cherished his brother’s children, Kris, Keri and Kyle.

Rick’s family thanks his many dedicated caregivers in recent years, especially including those at the Heritage Inn, Legacy Hospice, and Dr. Jonathan Evans for their kind assistance and care.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association to help fight Alzheimer’s and Dementia or another charity of your choice. Or have a steak, a beer, and a laugh remembering some of the good times. Semper Fi.