Dick Metcalf '63, M'67

Dear Laurentian Community,

I write to share the sad news that Richard A. “Dick” Metcalf ’63, M’67, a longtime faculty member, coach, and administrator whose connection to St. Lawrence spanned more than six decades, died on October 10 at the age of 85.

A graduate of Liverpool High School, Dick arrived at St. Lawrence in 1959 and quickly made his mark as a talented three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Just weeks after graduating, he began his career at his alma mater as a physical education instructor and a coach in all three sports.

Dick met his wife, Katherine “Kathy” Lyons Metcalf ’65, while they were students at St. Lawrence. He also earned a master’s degree from St. Lawrence in 1967. The couple later lived in Morgantown, West Virginia, where Dick taught sociology courses and earned his doctorate in education from West Virginia University before returning to Canton to make it their permanent home.

Over the years, Dick taught in the Department of Sport and Leisure Studies, where he served for many years as chair. He also held numerous administrative and leadership roles, including Director of Academic Advising and interim Dean of Admissions, and served on Faculty Council and the Professional Standards Committee. Dick retired in 2003 after four decades of service to St. Lawrence.

Dick’s contributions to Laurentian athletics were recognized with his induction into the St. Lawrence University Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor he shared with his brother, Gerald “Jerry” Metcalf ’67. Beyond Dick’s formal recognition, he was also remembered for playing a mean game of noontime basketball.

Outside the University, Dick enjoyed hunting, golfing, and reading, but especially cherished time with his six grandchildren. Whether making homemade ice cream, playing the harmonica, or cheering them on at athletic contests and performances, he embraced his role as “Papa” with enthusiasm.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Cara Metcalf Polk, and her husband, Kenneth Polk ‘91; his son, Matthew Metcalf, and his wife, Meg; six grandchildren, Mitchell, Jordan, and Leah Polk, and Abigail, Katharine, and Elizabeth Metcalf; and his brother, Gerald Metcalf. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathy, in August 2024, and his sister, Judith Frazier.

Few Laurentians have experienced St. Lawrence from as many perspectives as Dick. As a student, athlete, educator, coach, and colleague, he devoted much of his life to the University and the people who make it special. His contributions and the relationships he built over the decades will remain an important part of our Laurentian story.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dick’s family, friends, former students, and colleagues, and to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Please join us in honoring Dick’s life by sharing your memories of him on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here.

Sincerely,

Kate Morris