Former Bradley, NBA coach Dick Versace stood by his players and by Chicago

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Richard Versace

1940 - 2022

Richard (Dick) Versace, age 81, beloved father, grandfather, partner, and coach, passed away Friday, February 25, 2022.

Born April 16, 1940 in Fort Bragg, NC, he was preceded in death by his parents, Colonel Humbert Joseph Versace and Marie Teresa Rios; his brothers, Captain Humbert Roque Versace and Stephen Versace; and his sister, Trilby Versace.

He is survived by his children: one son, David (Terri) of Chicago; one daughter, Julie of Chicago; two grandchildren: Deklin and Tessa, both of Chicago; one brother, Michael Rios of Virginia; and partner, Dorothy Culhane of Chicago.

Dick brought his ebullient personality and relentlessly positive energy to everything he did, and all who he encountered. He understood the value of education and sports as a means of raising people up. As the quintessential Coach, he thrived on helping countless young people and athletes, as well as colleagues and friends, realize their potential. His generosity of heart and spirit enriched all who were fortunate enough to know him.

One of Bradley basketball's most successful head coaches, Dick Versace passed away at the age of 81 on Friday.
 
Versace led the Bradley program for eight seasons from 1978 to 1986. During his tenure, the Braves would claim three regular-season Missouri Valley Conference Championships in 1980, 1982 and 1986, two Missouri Valley Conference Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1980 and 1986 and the program's fourth NIT Championship in 1982.

A two-time MVC Coach of the Year, Versace amassed 156 wins during his eight seasons leading the Braves – ranking fifth in school history. He had an immediate impact on campus as he became the first coach in conference history to lead a program from last one season to first the next as the Braves swept the league titles in just his second season in 1980.
 
Two seasons later, Versace helped the Braves to their second regular-season crown before finishing the campaign with victories over Oklahoma and Purdue to win the NIT Championship. Versace's most successful campaign came in 1985-86 when the Braves reached as high as ninth in the AP poll, matched a school record with 32 victories and posted a perfect 16-0 Valley record during regular-season play. Bradley defeated No. 20 UTEP in the first round of the 1986 NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual champion Louisville two days later.
 
Versace would join the NBA following his tenure with the Braves, serving as head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1988 to 1990.