James Refosco

October 16th, 1940 - August 15th, 2020

Biography


James Refosco passed away peacefully on August 15, 2020 In Cambridge md He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Toby Refosco and his brother, Arthur Refosco and his wife, Kathi. His daughters, Deborah Refosco Cline and her husband Jim, Leigh Ann Frasco and her husband Mike, and Kate Refosco. Also survived by his 8 grandchildren, Tiarra, Julia, Vincent, Patrick, John, Koby, Alec and Mariah. He is also survived by his niece and nephews, Angie, Tony and Joe.

Jim Refosco was a teacher, football coach and inspiration to his many students, players, friends and family. He coached in Saint Mary’s County, MD; Rahway, NJ; Dover, DE; Cumberland, MD; and Punta Gorda, FL. He retired and moved to Southern Pines, NC and just recently moved to Cambridge, MD. Unfortunately, due to Covid there will be no services.

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About

Name James Refosco
Date of Birth October 16th, 1940
Date of Death August 15th, 2020

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Ben Riggi Rhs published a tribute .

My deepest sympathies. Coach Refosco came to RHS, Rahway, NJ as an unknown. I was an OK footballer but I loved the game. Playing with “Duffy, Stueber, Caravella, Hugger and the rest of the Team was a dream come true. Coach Refosco taught us, mentored us and built his team of Indians. The local newspapers called us his “cardiac kids” because we always found a way to win. Our game against Westfield HS was legendary. Westfield tied us! Thank you Coach for helping me build my confidence. Breaking many clip boards over my helmet was a great motivator. LOL. You taught us “teamwork, pride, honor, confidence and to never give up”. You would ask us “are you tired? Well the guy across the line from you is tired too. Who wants it more?” Thank you Coach. You pushed us “mentally, physically and spiritually”. I’ll see you on the other side Coach. Have a clipboard ready for me. We all loved you.

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Julia published a tribute .

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Scott Shaffer published a comment .

RIP coach. You made me the man I am today. Thank you for teaching me to be a leader and a champion. I love you coach

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Mark Martin published a comment .

I just found out Coach passed away ..Wow what a impact he had on Little town of Cumberland .Coach came to Allegany and totally changed the Football program.He not only picked his Coach to help him which if u were hired to coach with him u were lucky man he new his football …I don’t think he cared abt winning he think he cared abt the impact he would have on 16 17 18 yr for future and believe me he was like a 2nd dad to all of us that came thru football program …Rest In Peace you really changed football program in all of Cumberland

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Todd Miller published a comment .

Just now learned that Coach Refosco passed away in 2020. Although I was never on the Allegany High School football team, I still admire coach for leading us to victory over Fort Hill all four years that I was in school as well as leading us to two state championships. Truly, coach, your name will always hallow the halls of Allegany. Rest in Peace. Amen.

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Julia Cline published a tribute .

Found this old photo. Thinking about him today ❤️

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Kevin Howard published a tribute .

I met Coach Refosco in the Fall of 1972 and I had the great pleasure of playing on football teams he coached and basketball teams that Coach Art Refosco led during the same period. It's hard to describe the the impact the brothers Refosco had on me, but I hope to have that conversation with Art very soon. I loved those guys and I am grateful for every minute I had with them. It was, to the say the least, priceless. I am profoundly sorry knowing that Jim is gone. I deeply regret not having had one last chance to tell him these things in person. I know what he gave to his players and I can only imagine what he devoted to his family. He was one of the best. Coach Art, if you see this I hope we can talk soon. 3026708398
Sincerely, Kevin Howard

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Larry Olmstead published a comment .

I'm right there with you Kevin. It's hard to describe the influence our coaches had upon us. Their memories start to fade right after we graduate but impact lingers well after. Their teachings are always in the back of your mind. It's hard to comprehend that they have gone without being able to say "Job Well Done" one last time. What a great looking family you have and you will be missed coach.

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John Cline published a tribute .

I remember Pappap teaching me how to play golf when I stayed down at his place in NC. We spent a whole day at the driving range and he made damn sure I could hit a ball straight with out it splicing before we left to head back for dinner. I’ll miss Pappap because he taught me to never quit until I got it right. I’ll always remember golfing with Pappap, it was always a little frustrating but I always left the course having learned something new. Love you Pappap, Love you Grandma

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Todd Imes published a comment .

Sincere sympathy to Mrs Refosco and her girls and the entire family from the Imes family in Cumberland . And to you young man , John Cline. Please know that your Pappap was a great man. He not only taught you “to never quit until you got it right” but he taught that same lesson to hundreds of his players through the years. And like you , we too left the field a little frustrated but always learned something from Coach . I can tell you this , your Pappap ( Coach to us ) left a mark on the lives of many men. And when I hear his name , as I often do, it always bring a smile to the faces of all of us lucky enough to have known him and learn from him. Rest In Peace Coach and may God Bless and Comfort the Refosco family.

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Sherri Wesley Balcomb published a tribute .

So sorry for the loss of Coach. We were just talking a few weeks back reminiscing high school days and Coach’s class ect..Our thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP.

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Thomas Cline published a tribute .

With sincere sympathy to your extended family. He was held in high regard by those who knew him, and beloved by his family. Our prayers are with the family in this time of need.

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Sandra Yawn published a tribute .

So sorry for the families loss. He was a good guy. Prayers for the family during this time.

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Joe Koelker published a tribute .

RIP Jim. I'll miss you as a great friend and the good times. Toby you take care ! I love you both,you are great people. Joe Koelker

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Andy Richardson published a tribute .

Thankful for this man and all that he taught me. I am praying for his family that you all will have peace.

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Hans And Phoebe Menzer published a tribute .

Thank you for all the sacrifices you and your family made while teaching, coaching and dedicating your life to the Charlotte High Football program. You made a lifelong impression on so many of us. Rest In Peace Coach Refosco

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Jeff Powell published a tribute .

Thank you Coach for everything and God bless. Leigh my condolences to you, your mother, Deb, Kate and all your family.

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Brian Nolan published a tribute .

A great coach who taught me the finer points of coaching Football. A man I always thought extremely high of and one who helped me become a better professional. Thanks Coach. My condolences Toby.

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Gilleo Suzanne published a tribute .

I worked with James at Charlotte High—retired the same year. My sympathies to the family.

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Debbie Marsh published a tribute .

Toby. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Best wishes. Debbie and LARRY Marsh

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Karen Alessandroni published a comment .

So very sorry. I enjoyed working with Jim at CHS. I know how much he gave to students in need. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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Rickie Jessie published a tribute .

R.I.P Coach....I wish I could have told you that impact u had on me... Your tough love for your “sons” have molded us into the men we are today...U will be missed not only by me , but a whole town of Campers!!!!!! Heaven received a Angel but we all will get thru it because we know u”ll always be looking over us....I Love U Coach❤️

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Michael Lewis published a tribute .

Sad to learn of the passing of a legend, great biology teacher, and tough coach. I learned many life's lessons from Jim Refosco in the classroom, in the football field, and on the track. Most importantly, through his toughness and exacting standards, was a great love and mutual respect between coaches and student athletes. He also taught, really demanded, that I step up as a leader, a lesson I have carried forward all my life. Thank you Coach. Eternal May Your Memory Be.

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Joan Flowers Strauss published a tribute .

Dear Toby, While I only met Jim once, I knew his value as a person because you loved him and I know your value. Please take care of yourself and your children during this time of sorrow.

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Glenn And Marilyn Weishaar published a comment .

You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts during this time of sadness.

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Dave Lancaster published a tribute .

So much love and respect for you coach. You made us feel like we could achieve greatness and we learned to never give up on our dreams. I have thought of you often and have drawn from the life lessons you taught us many years ago. Thank you! “Moose”

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Jo-Ann Lonker published a tribute .

I am so sorry to read of “Boot’s” passing. Toby, I want you to know I will pray you receive strength and peace during this difficult time. I read something once that has helped me during these sad times. I hope they help you: “To live in the hearts of those you love is not to die.”
With caring thoughts,
Jo-Ann Lonker

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Michelle Mcdade published a tribute .

Deeply sorry for your family's loss. I had Coach Refosco for 10th grade Biology at Allegany. I loved that class. He was an excellent teacher.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.

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Michelle Taylor published a comment .

My deepest condolences to the family. Coach Refosco was such a wonderful person and be missed by so many! Prayers for peace, strength and comfort

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Julie Chabot Alpert published a comment .

Coach Refosco was a great role model, wonderful biology teacher, and a kind and caring person. My deepest condolences to all of his family.

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Steven Agresto published a tribute .

Thoughts and prayers to your family. You taught us to be more than just football players, lessons we may have not understood at the time as young men. Thank you Coach

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Connie Livengood Peyton published a tribute .

I have so many fond memories of “Big Jim”- Biology class ( I was his favorite

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Dora Spencer Lavy published a tribute .

Toby, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you and your family. I know a little of what you are going through. I lost my husband, Bo, 11 years ago.

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Michael Kenny published a tribute .

Sorry to hear this jimmy was a good friend always will be in my heart

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Timothy Mouse published a tribute .

I was fortunate to play for Coach Refosco at Allegany High Scool...I have so many great stories of my two years on the varsity football team with him as our coach. His “Wing-T” offense, his attention to every little detail when it came to preparing for our opponents, along with his confidence (“swagger”) was what drove us to be better than what we realized we could be. This November will be exactly 40 years since he lead us to our schools 1st undefeated State Championship...I wish he was here to celebrate the anniversary with us! To Mrs. Refosco(Toby) and the rest of his family...thank you for sharing your husband/father all those years. He touched many lives on the field and in his classroom. Personally, to my friend, Debbie...my heart goes out to you. Just know, all your friends from the Alco class of 81’ are sending you their virtual love/hugs! Rest easy Coach!

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Kate published a tribute .

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Tracy Rohling published a comment .

This is when we met Jim and TOBY, our son Robert wanted to play football at Charlotte High. We just moved to town and didn’t know anyone. My husband and Robert went down to meet the coach. They met JIM, both George and Robert like him. It was friends there after. We will miss JIM him, he was a wonderful, caring, funny but firm man. May he Rest In Peace!
You will truly be missed. Your friends, George and Tracy Rohling & Family.

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