Baseball-075
Welcome to the memorial page for

Clyde Washburne

July 26, 1930 ~ April 2, 2018 (age 87) 87 Years Old
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Message from Al Bolduc
May 24, 2019 9:44 AM
I just learned of Coach Washurn’s passing.
My condolences to Cynthia and family.
He was a great man. We used to go to his softball clinics at Ellis Tech where he would impart his infinite wisdom on us.
He taught my daughters -and me- how to pitch and tackle life full speed!
One daughter went on to pitch in college thanks to him.
Rest In Peace Coach, we’ll see you again and maybe play a game or two...
Message from Andrea "AD" DeLuzio-Enos
July 27, 2018 9:11 AM
I had the honor to be one of the first pitchers under Coach Washburne's ECSC team in the late 70's. Coach fought to get us a new field on campus and behind the scenes rallied for our team to be one of the first colleges inducted into the state and regional organizations for women's softball. He was one-of-a-kind coach, always inspiring his players both on and off the field. He was the king of "one-liners" and the teacher of a new "vocab" word every day, saying many times, "it's a great word, look it up!". One of my best memories was our spring training trips in Myrtle Beach, SC where we drove down in the light blue vans. He would make the team get up early, meet him on the beach and say, "run to you see the light!" where Coach would be 3 miles down the beach blinking the headlights on and off in the van. That was our signal to turn around and run back. Many great memories of ECSC softball. Rest easy, Coach, it has been a pleasure to know you. My sincere condolences to the Washburne family.
Message from Cathie Dainton Piacente
May 15, 2018 4:43 PM
Sympathy to the family of Clyde Washburne. Very sad to hear of your loss of a husband, a father, a grandfather. Hilary, I remember your Dad as a funny man from way back when we were in middle school or was it freshman year? Hold fast to the memories. Godspeed, Cathie
Message from Scott Potter
April 21, 2018 10:44 AM
My deepest sympathies to Cindy and all of Clyde's family and friends. I've been in denial since learning of Clyde's passing. He was a wonderful person to have known and will be sorely missed. His zest for life was exhibited in so many ways and the twinkle in his eye always brought a smile to my face. A gamer to the end. May he rest in peace.
Message from Frank Coolidge
April 18, 2018 9:57 PM
At RHAM High when Coach Washburne started his brilliant career he was a teacher and coach who had character and worked with the boys to instill character in them. He knew that the game was part of our lives that would mold his athletes. He didn't challenge us, but rather we learned to challenge ourselves. Some of you will remember his little Renault that was probably all he could afford as a Physical Ed teacher coaching every sport offered at the high school. Don't forget that Coach Washburne passed his "way" to the UCONN students interning under. We are proud to be Sachems because of Coach. God Bless Clyde.
Message from Gary and Pam Kinel
April 17, 2018 11:02 AM
Our sincere condolences to the Washburne family.
I am a 1972 ECSU graduate and a proud member of coach Wasburne's first collegiate basketball team. I spent four years (68-72) at ECSU playing basketball for Coach W. Those four years were some of the happiest years of my life and "Clyde the glide" was a big part of that. His passion for sport and life was infectious and our teams reflected his leadership. Our roster was the first integrated team at Eastern, and we all know what a strong proponent of Title IX he was. Coach was a community leader by example, while being our teacher and mentor on the basketball court, during a very critical time in American history. His personality and sense of humor made him one of the most interesting people I've ever met. All of your former athletes are indebted to you Coach. We all hope there are recreation leagues in heaven so you can continue your coaching passion. Thank you for being an inspiration for so many young men and women. Rest in peace Coach... Sincerely Gary Kinel 72'
Message from Richard "Tiger" Gagne RHAM63
April 9, 2018 2:18 PM
So sorry for your loss Cindy and family. Coach use to let me run phys Ed classes for him when I had study hall. His last email to me was in March and he never complained about the pain he must have been going through. He gave me the suggestion of my tag line "From the Hot Corner" for our emails back and forth about government and life. I will never forget him.
Message from Barbara Keeffe Hadigian
April 7, 2018 3:54 PM
Clyde and I were RHAM’ s first two physical education teachers. Also attended WHS at the same time. It was a pleasure to work with him. My condolences to all his family
Message from Christian D'Ambrosio
April 6, 2018 8:40 PM
I remember as a high school student athlete in the mid 70's and early 80's going down to Eastern to watch games coached by Clyde, Bill Hollowaty, Tom Nevers, Awesome to watch Clyde coach basketball and softball. His teams were so well organized, intense and competed. He always had a great story to share,
fond memories, great quotes, big smile, always a tip to add to the coaching resume
A True Warrior!!!
Message from Patricia
April 6, 2018 4:57 PM
I am so very sorry for your loss. What a great guy. We were very lucky to have Coach at RHAM. God Bless and R.I.P.
Message from Grace and Carl
April 6, 2018 1:09 PM
Dear Cindy,
I am so sorry to hear about Clyde's passing. He'll be sorely missed.
Love
Grace and Carl
Message from Donna M Klucewicz
April 5, 2018 11:31 PM
Dear Cindy: I am so sorry for your loss. Clyde was such a great guy. An important part of ECSU. Peace. Donna ❤
Message from Robert Fisk, Jr.
April 5, 2018 2:54 PM
For 10 years in the 70s he was my mentor, fellow coach, best friend and best man. Prided myself in being an adequate translator of Clyde-isms, which as Bob Molta wrote is “a collection of analogies, astute observations, proverbs and musings.” Title IV was the single most important piece of social legislation, except civil rights, in the last 70 years; and Clyde ran with it like a pioneer; breaking norms and records along the way. His legacy will be softball and his uniquely poignant way with young student-athletes, but many forget what a very talented and complete basketball coach he was. He was dynamo who took on everyone - “respect all opponents, fear none.” ECSU lost its greatest warrior.
Message from Paula
April 5, 2018 1:30 PM
No words can express all that fills this space in present moment.
Godspeed, Clyde. Life just got bigger for you.
Love,
Paula
Message from Roland Frechette Jr
April 5, 2018 1:06 PM
Coach was one of the people who always got my father to laugh when he came into the restaurant (Don & Ron's - 70's). I remember his endearing smile and energy.
Message from Linda Devlin
April 5, 2018 10:19 AM
Cynthia,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Message from Peg Landers
April 5, 2018 9:44 AM
Clyde will be missed by many people40. What a joy it is to have known him. We now have another special Angel to watch over us. My arms around you all with love and comfort.
Message from Deborah Wood
April 5, 2018 8:57 AM
So sorry for your loss Cynthia,
Deb. Wood
Message from John Insalaco
April 5, 2018 8:51 AM
Cyndi and Family
Clyde was and still is the ultimate coach, friend and part of history
to so many people. The goodness of his heart is passed on in the legacy of the
people who were touched and changed by his kindness and teaching.
We should aspire to carry on and play it forward as he wished.
Message from Hebron ACE Hardware
April 5, 2018 7:21 AM
Coach was an awesome guy! Always smiling, always positive! We'll miss you!
Message from Kathy from Mama's Pizza
April 4, 2018 10:17 PM
He was the funny, carming old guy, Lol Every time he came in to Mama's i was so Happy to see him. Nicest guy. we always talked about the old in days. he would give me his order and say only a half of beer' he was going to play golf, or tennis. he was so funny with me. we always laugh, I will Miss him so, May He rest in Peace. My thoughts & Prays go out to his Family God Bless !!!!
Message from Andre Gagnon
April 4, 2018 3:50 PM
So sorry for your loss! He was a great man.
Message from Duncan Harris
April 4, 2018 3:00 PM
Cynthia

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Duncan
Message from Marilyn Haney, MCC
April 4, 2018 2:45 PM
To Cynthia -
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember you speaking of him fondly and I'm sure you're feeling a great loss. Find comfort in knowing how much love you gave him over the years & the love you both shared. My thoughts are with you...Peace to you and your family.
Message from Carolyn Rogers
April 4, 2018 11:48 AM
I've known Clyde as a recent neighbor, and in reading of his devotion to excellence and the mentoring of young people, I'm learning more than I knew about his life, so well lived.
Modest, strong opinions, good sense of humor--hard working gardener--devoted family man--I saw these qualities and have enjoyed having Clyde across the street.
Cindy and family--I'm so sorry for your loss.
Message from Betty Williamson
April 4, 2018 10:21 AM
Dear Cindy,
Words cannot express the sorrow that I feel for your loss. But knowing the love and joy that you and Clyde shared for years and years makes me smile. I will never forget the day that Clyde said, "She better hurry up and make an honest man of me...". Clyde's sense of humor was contagious and I wish I had known him better.
Know that I am here for you if you need anything.
Love, Betty
Message from Vicki Flannery
April 4, 2018 9:48 AM
Cindy,

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember our golfing days, with you and Clyde, I only knew him for a short time, but his smile and kindness I will never forget. Prayers for you and your family. God Bless.
Message from John Keleher
April 4, 2018 8:09 AM
Always a Sachem, always a Warrior. You mentored me at RHAM, you brought me to Eastern I am forever indebted to you for your guidance, friendship and providing the push to excell. I think I will take a walk in the woods today I know you will be there.God Speed Coach
Message from Pete Decker
April 4, 2018 6:24 AM
A true man of many talents. He will be missed. As a young man I always would always hope to be lucky enough to play a quick 9 holes with him when I was hanging around WCC. I am sure he is playing golf with the sports gods “barefoot” in heaven. Our thought are with his family and friends.
Message from Gregory Dumas
April 4, 2018 5:11 AM
Coach Washburne,
We recently corresponded over Facebook and talked about sports. I didn’t know you personally but knew of you and your passion for athletics my whole life. You spoke kindly of my father and his athletic ability while remaining humble about your own accomplishments and lifetime of dedication to teaching young men and women how to be adults. Thank you for your kindness. You will certainly be missed.
Message from Sue and Tom Donlon
April 3, 2018 10:36 PM
Cindy, our condolences to you. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to such a wonderful man that touched so many lives. You can't think of ECSU without thinking about Coach Washburne... We will miss seeing him around town and engaging in "our talks." With fond memories and our deepest sympathy.
Message from Tammy Schondelmayer
April 3, 2018 8:55 PM
Coach- I am so very very sad that you are gone- my heart is broken and there will now be a hole in my life that you used to fill. The silver lining that comforts me is that you are no longer in pain! I have such amazing memories of you and all the great times I got to spend with you both on and off of the field and for that I am truly blessed, You always made me smile ALL OVER MY FACE!!

Thank you for being in my life…. you were one of the most special people in it for sure and I am sooooo very lucky I had the privilege of playing for you! God truly blessed me when he sent me to Eastern and I have been thanking him for that blessing ever since!

I am very much looking forward to the day that we finally put your name on the softball field where it belongs!!!!! I am sorry you will not be there to see it but I know your spirit will be there and it will be a beautiful day!

I miss you so much Coach... Rest in peace and play nice with June Walker!

CJ- I love you and I am praying for you and the rest of Coach's family. I hope you can find things to comfort you, that even make you smile, in the coming days and weeks as there was a lot about Coach to smile about. Your husband was an amazing man and you were the lucky woman he chose to spend the last 30+ years of his life with... cherish that. Please know that I am here for whatever you need.

All my love
Tammy
Message from Kate Linderson
April 3, 2018 8:05 PM
Cindy and family, I am so sorry or your loss. I have been truly blessed to have known him over the last year and a half. He was a wonderful man and always made me smile. Wishing you comfort.
Message from Dave J Taylor
April 3, 2018 7:23 PM
I was a freshman at Rham and coached by Clyde for 4 years . I have very fond memories of the great coach and played golf in tournaments with him at BLACKLEDGE recently . He was a great influence on all of us and we will miss him . Dave T
Message from D.F.
April 3, 2018 7:10 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. May you all be comforted by the loving words at Psalms 34:18.
Message from Beth Card
April 3, 2018 6:54 PM
Cindy. Billy, I and the kids have nothing but fond memories and stories of dear Clyde. We love you both and loved you two being a part of our lives. Love n jugs
Message from Wolmer/Maneggia's
April 3, 2018 6:19 PM
From the Wolmer and Maneggia family, Bob Hope would say " Thanks for the Memories". Also for provoking emotions, you did that very well!! Never a dull moment.
Message from Hal Taylor
April 3, 2018 6:05 PM
“Coach”, (we never called you Clyde), we will never forget our days at RHAM High School with you as our coach in Basketball, Soccer and Baseball. You were just starting out but already knew how to get the most out of us. We all worked our tails off just to get a word of praise from you. Starting with us as your trainees, you went on to a stellar career in sports and we were always so proud of you. Now we have some advice for you- wherever it is that you are now, don’t relax, don’t retire, take it to a new level and show them all what you can do with all your former players rooting for you. It was an honor to know you and to play for you. All the best in your new career! Hal(Butch) Taylor
Message from Penny Rorrio RHAM ‘64
April 3, 2018 6:00 PM
Coach Washburn was well loved and respected at RHAM. My condolences to his family.
Message from Paul Cichon
April 3, 2018 3:56 PM
To Clyde's family, I am very sorry to learn of his passing. Not quite sure how long I have known Clyde through the years at Willimantic Country Club, but I can't remember him not being there. As you wrote in the obituary, he certainly was a unique individual, always though in a good and usually humorous way. I remember him being a good friend of my father, the late Joe Cichon.
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