Robert F. Sveda, 83, of Milford, died July 27, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 18, 1935, in New Haven, son of the late Frank and Margaret (Scanlon) Sveda.

After serving in the Army for six months, Mr Sveda went on to become a physical education teacher and coach at Newtown High School from 1959 until his retirement in 1992. He also served as the school's athletic director for 28 years, and his sports program was considered one of the best in its conference. During his tenure, he doubled the school's teams from nine to 20 sports. His coaching record speaks for itself: girls' softball (a 247-103 record), boys' soccer (153-56-19), and girls' soccer (a program he founded, 58-9-1).

Mr Sveda earned numerous awards for his work. In 1989, he was named the New York Daily News Softball Coach of the Year and was honored with a ceremony at home plate in a game at Yankee Stadium. In 1991, he was named The Newtown Bee's Sportsman of the Year.

A 1954 graduate of West Haven High School, he made his mark on the soccer and baseball fields as well as the basketball court, and he was inducted into the West Haven High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. Mr Sveda attended the University of Bridgeport, where he played both soccer (All-New England Honorable Mention and captain senior year) and baseball and earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. Mr Sveda played baseball for six years in the West Haven Twilight League, later receiving its Gold Bat Award. He also played Greater New Haven Baseball as well as fast-pitch softball for West End Market.

Off the athletic fields, his passions included trips to Saratoga, fishing, crabbing, bike riding, and the Knights of Columbus golf league. Post-retirement, his favorite times were spent with his grandchildren - celebrating holidays, teaching them to fish, and attending cheer competitions, baseball games, and trips to Disney.

His beloved wife of 54 years, Eleanor (Morabito); three cherished daughters and their spouses, Juliann and Steven Lutinski of Easton, Karen Sveda and John Malster of Winchester, Mass., and Kristen and Devin Moore of North Branford; four grandchildren, whom he adored more than anything in the world, Maegan Lutinski, Ryan Lutinski, Claire Malster, and Quinn Malster; a much-loved sister-in-law and brother-in-law; and some very close and special friends from Milford, West Haven, and Newtown survive him.

A brother, John, predeceased him.

The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday, August 1, from 4 to 6:30 pm, at Smith Funeral Home, 135 North Broad Street, Milford, with a memorial service following from 6:30 to 7 pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr Sveda's honor to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America at wish.org.