Richard H. Dambrino, Jr.

Richard Hurcil Dambrino, Jr, age 79, of Gulfport, passed away on March 6, 2025.

He was born on August 18, 1945 at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS to Richard H. Dambrino, Sr and Verna Mae Switzer Dambrino.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard H. Dambrino, Sr and Verna Mae Switzer Dambrino; paternal grandparents, Robert J. Dambrino and Hattie Cleo McMurphy Dambrino Smith; maternal grandparents, James Vernon Switzer and Agnes Switzer; and a brother, Steven A Dambrino.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judith Bond Dambrino who were married on December 25, 1965; his children, Richard H. Dambrino, III, Joseph M. Dambrino (Consuela), and Robert D. Dambrino(Tabatha); his grandchildren, Mason R Dambrino (Raena Keeler), Justin “Trace” Dambrino, Eric M Dambrino (Melanie), Bryson “River” Dambrino, Kinsey Dambrino, Josie Dambrino, Tyler Dambrino, Taylor Dambrino; great-grandchildren, Cooper Dambrino, Koen Dambrino, Mackenzie Keeler; a sister, Connie Sue Dambrino Spivey (Paul, deceased); a brother-in- law, Harvey Bond, Jr (Phyllis); sister-in-law, Joy Bond Belinski (Dan); and many wonderful, loving nieces and nephews.

Richard was born and raised on Commerce Street in Handsboro, MS, and attended Fernwood School. He graduated from Biloxi High School in 1963, where he was part of the 1962 Big 8 Conference State Championship team. Following high school, he earned a football scholarship to Perkinston Jr. College and graduated in 1965 with an AA degree. During his time at Perk, Richard met Judy, and they were married on Christmas Day in 1965. Richard then received a football scholarship to Millsaps College, but after an injury, he transferred to Belhaven College. In 1968, Richard and Judy returned to the coast, where Richard continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Richard was a man of many talents. He taught 9th-grade math at Harrison Central High School, worked in News and Sales at WGCM Radio through Hurricane Camille, contributed to the MGCCC Manpower Training Program post-Camille, worked with Coast Materials Concrete in Sales, and became a self-employed contractor. He spent many years with BE&K Construction and Engineering Company in Birmingham, AL, serving as the Construction Training Manager for their construction and maintenance sites. He took immense pride in helping young people develop their skills, guiding them to become skilled journeymen and supervisors at BE&K. Later, he worked with S&B Engineering and Construction Company in Houston, TX, where he continued his work in training, assisting craftsmen in advancing their skills on various S&B sites.

Sports were one of Richard’s greatest passions. He not only loved coaching but also sponsored several teams. Before his children were old enough to play, he could be found on the football field coaching kids in the PeeWee League. Richard’s love for teaching young players was evident in his fundamental approach: teaching them what a football is, how to properly tackle, and how to take a hit safely. His coaching didn’t stop with football; he also coached baseball, from Little League to Babe Ruth. Richard played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Orange Grove Youth Association, even before his own children were old enough to play.

Richard had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and, of course, sports—particularly SEC College Football and Baseball. His loyalty to the Mississippi State University Bulldogs was unwavering.

In a humorous turn of events, Richard once raised two hogs, Robin and Big Mama, and two cows, Sabrina and Sam.

Richard’s faith, family, and country were paramount in his life. He had a deep love for God, his precious family, Handsboro United Methodist Church, the United States, and its Constitution. He was a man of rare qualities: loving, tender-hearted, loyal to the end, strong, honest, and courageous. He spent his life uplifting others, whether helping them develop skills in work or play, or guiding them in their faith and character. Richard’s sons and grandchildren were always the center of his joy, and he shared with them wisdom, advice, and endless love. His family was his pride and joy. He instilled in them the importance of being unwavering in their beliefs. His legacy will live on.

A long-time member of Handsboro United Methodist Church, Richard served the Lord with joy in many capacities: from Sunday School Teacher to Youth Counselor, and from selling Christmas trees for the Men’s Group to serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Building Committee for the current sanctuary. Richard’s unwavering faith and dedication made him one of the church’s most faithful members.

Richard was also a dedicated member of the NRA, a lifetime member of Polar Star #154, and a former member of the Lizana Volunteer Fire Department.

Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to Dr. Payment, Danielle, and all the nurses and techs on the 6th floor, as well as the entire Deaconess Family of Nurses, PTs, OTs, and everyone who assisted in his care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity or sent to Handsboro United Methodist Church, General Memorial Fund, 2333 Demaret Drive, Gulfport, MS 39507.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 1 - 2 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.