Richard “Rick” Bertram Medve, of Fairfield, passed away on May 11, 2026, in Portland, Me., at the age of 87. He was born on July 18, 1938.

Rick was the beloved husband of Susan Lorraine Medve for 63 years. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Medve Bailey; his four children: Elizabeth (Scott) Ann Medve Cressey, Christopher (Dawn) Medve, Stephen (Arleen) Medve, and Matthew (Tanya) Medve. Rick was also a loving grandfather to Eric (Emma, great granddaughter, Cora) Cressey, Austin Cressey, Anna (Zachary) Cressey MacKinnon, Sarah Medve, Nathan Medve, Jack Medve, and Samuel Medve; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Susan, his parents Bertram and Rita Medve, and in-laws Madeline and Thomas Boucher.

Rick grew up in Fairfield and played football (quarterback), basketball, and ran track at Roger Ludlowe High School, class of 1956. He graduated from Fairfield University, class of 1961. Rick met the love of his life, Susan, when he was a lifeguard at Fairfield Beach, and not long after, they eloped. They started their family and lived in Newtown together for 38 years. In addition to his high school coaching, he coached his children in football and softball. He just loved coaching his children. Rick always enjoyed spending quality moments with his family and friends, celebrating various occasions. He cherished playing tennis with his wife and their tennis circle, as well as engaging in board and card games. He also loved gardening and loved taking care of the birds that would visit his yard. After leaving Newtown, Sue and Rick loved their 20 years as snowbirds in New Hampshire and Florida, where life was free and easy and enjoyable, and favorite places to visit were Key West and Miami. Sue and Rick loved to travel and went cross country numerous times and also ventured into Europe. No family member will ever forget him singing a cappella “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” at Susan’s celebration of life.

It was in high school that he cultivated his love for sports and his desire to be a coach. Rick began his teaching career in 1962 at Ridgefield HS and taught US History and Social Studies for 35 years. He was loved and respected by his students for his commitment and passion for teaching, his personality, and his coaching. He was a coach, friend, mentor, and role model to many. Coaching for 28 years at RHS became a huge part of both his personal and professional life. He coached football, cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. He also coached indoor and outdoor track at Newtown HS for nine seasons. The highlights of his coaching career were a 54 meet winning streak in boys track, many FCIAC Championships, four State Championships, CIAC Coach of the Year in outdoor track in 1977, and his induction into the Connecticut HS Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2018. Over the course of his incredible coaching career, Medve’s teams compiled a record of 755 wins and 185 defeats.

Our family would also like to extend our gratitude to Fallbrook Woods Memory Care for their compassion and care for our father, as well as to Affinity Hospice and Palliative Care for keeping him comfortable in his last days.

The Medve family is planning a private celebration of Rick's life this fall at a date to be named. Please consider donating to American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org).

The Newtown Bee May 22, 2026