In Memory: Richard “Dick” Gonyea, Age 78 – former Golf Course Superintendent at Rye Golf Club
Richard “Dick” Gonyea of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on July 4, 2021. Born in Millbury, MA, he was 78 years old. He was proceeded in death by his parents Cora and Lawrence Gonyea and sister, Lorraine Gonyea Letendre. He will be eternally remembered by his wife Marge Gonyea, of 54 years. Dick is survived by his two daughters, Tracey Gonyea Vinis and husband, John of Richmond, VA and Holly Gonyea Dolan and husband, Chris of Annville, PA; and grandchildren, Allison and Zachary Vinis of Richmond, VA and Braiden and Abigail Dolan of Annville, PA. In addition, he is survived by his siblings Norman Gonyea and wife, Pat of Millbury, MA, Ronald Gonyea and wife, Carolyn of Melbourne, FL, Ann Gonyea Pierpont of Millbury, MA. He is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.
Dick spent over 33 years as the Golf Course Superintendent at the Rye Golf Club in Rye, NY where he is remembered by many for riding the grounds in the early morning hours in his golf cart, setting sprinklers and tending to the greens. He was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge School of Agriculture with an associate’s degree in Turf Management and was a member of the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association where he served as secretary and second vice president. He was a member of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America. Prior to his position in Rye, he was employed by the Plandome Country Club in Long Island, New York. He also served in the U.S. Army.
As a lover of sports, Dick spent 30 seasons as a football referee and member of the Westchester County Football Officials Association. He also was an umpire for the Rye Girls’ Softball League, serving as its vice president. In his retirement, he enjoyed the company of friends as part of the William and Mary Quarterback Club and tailgating with his fellow sports fans at games. In his spare time, he enjoyed being with family, meeting friends to play golf, watching football, and observing birds.
Dick was active in the community. Since 1982, he was a member of the Rye City Lion’s Club, having served as secretary from 1985-1993. During retirement, he served on the Board of Directors as the Chairman of the Links Townhomes Landscape Committee in Ford’s Colony for 15 years. He was a member of Saint Bede Catholic Church.
A mass and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday July 14, 2021 at 11am at Saint Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Reception immediately following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick’s memory can be sent to: Rye City Lions Club, Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association or The American Cancer Society.
