Funeral services for Richard James "Coach" Esterley 70 of Ponce Inlet who passed away on December 22 2006 will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday December 27 2006 at the Baggett & Summers Chapel of Lohman Funeral Homes with Reverend George Painter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service and interment will follow at Daytona Memorial Park. Coach was born on October 17 1936 to the late George and Anna Esterley in Waterbury Connecticut. Growing up he was an Eagle Scout and later graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury CT. After high school he enlisted in the US Army where he served in the 77th Special Forces Corp. After his military service Coach attended the Cleveland Institute of Electronics where he received a diploma and the University of Connecticut. Throughout his life he was an avid fisherman excellent bowler and enjoyed scuba diving. He was a good friend and neighbor to all who knew him and will be sorely missed. Coach was a member of a rare breed: brilliant creative with a zest for life and a sense of humor that was contagious. He was a kind friend to animals and delighted in helping others. His thoughtfulness was his most endearing quality. Coach was employed by Niagara Mohawk Nuclear Power and Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station as an electronic technician. He also worked for Carrier Corp. General Electric and Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Jean Silva and her husband Tom of Shelton CT; nephew Thomas M. Silva and many dear friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Boy Scouts of America.