"I met Richard Flood in the summer of 1958 when I was a "Green Girl" for Cousin Ellen and Cousin Dick Flood in Blue Hill, Maine. My memories are of his parents, who were cousins through the Brewer family, were loving and patient with me. I would hear of their son's academic and professional successes through the family grapevine. Perhaps there is an unseen order to our world--two years ago my son's family moved to Jamestown, and I began to subscribe to the Jamestown Press, where I just discovered the eloquent obituary. Robin Webb (nee Rosamond Swift)"
In loving memory of
Richard Thomas Flood
August 10, 1935 - October 30, 2019
Richard Thomas Flood Jr., 84, son of and Ellen (Holdrege) and Richard T. Flood, and the husband and best friend of the late Sally (Elliot) Flood, died on October 30, 2019.
Born in Boston, Mass., on August 10, 1935, he was a graduate of Noble and Greenough School in the Class of 1953 and Williams College in the Class of 1957.
He was a grateful Jamestown, R.I., resident for more than 50 years.
Known to everyone as Floodo, he was an icon in the independent school world, especially in New England. He cut his teeth as a teacher, coach and mentor at Pomfret School and Charterhouse School, in Godalming, England, where he was a Fulbright scholar, Westminster School and for more than 20 years at Noble and Greenough School.
Floodo was appointed headmaster at Salisbury School in 1988, where his energy and enthusiasm lifted the school community and infused the Hilltop with confidence and pride.
With his trademark bold style of leadership, he and wife Sally rallied the spirit of the School to new heights. After retiring from Salisbury, Floodo created Dick Flood Education Services, inspiring young educators to find jobs in independent schools.
Floodo was a Hall of Fame hockey coach who led Nobles across three decades. He founded the Summer Europa Cup, which graduated dozens of NHL and Olympic stars. The prestigious Flood/Marr Holiday tournament honors Floodo and his college classmate, Lefty Marr, who together created the annual event.
Floodo and Sally enjoyed wonderful relationships with generations of colleagues and students. Floodo was deeply appreciative of the many friends who supported him for a lifetime and in particular during this last year after losing Sally. All Floods are grateful for his amazing team of caregivers, whose love and companionship supported him until his death.
Floodo found immense joy watching the teams he loved compete, tending to his garden, walking out at Beavertail and enjoying natures beauty in Jamestown. His greatest joy was his role as father, grandfather and best friend to his beloved Sal for more than 60 years.
He is survived by his children, Richard T. Flood III and his wife, Jody, Samuel Elliot Flood and his wife, Jane, and Katherine Brewer Fritz and her husband Tom; his grandchildren, Hayley, Charlie, Hugh, Eliza, Sammy, John and Caroline; and his brother, Laurence Brewer Flood and his wife, Tyler Knowles.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Nov. 30, at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Jamestown at 2:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salisbury School Annual Fund or the Richard T. Flood Jr. Scholarship at Noble and Greenough School.
Additional information is available at www.memorialfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Mr. Flood was my hockey coach at Westmintser School when I graduated in 1964. As captain of the team I had the pleasure of knowing him and his wife Sally. Mr Flood always stood by his students and was well liked by all. Back then schools weren't rated by fancy brick and mortar but by the people who ran the school. Mr. Flood was a great contributor to the fine reputation Westminster had and has today.He always made time for anyone and had great empathy for all of us at Westminster. His wife Sally was a ray of sunshine on the most cloudy day. I remember babysitting for Dick and Sam. My hearfelt sympathy goes out to all in the Flood family. . Nelson Van Atta "
"A Bulb Pan Spathiphyllum was ordered on November 7, 2019"
"Ive been blessed with some wonderful professional experiences. Some of my fondest memories are from my time on the faculty of Salisbury School. Headmaster Dick Flood, with his wife Sally by his side, interviewed and hired me. They guided me, encouraged me, and supported me at every turn. And they graciously blessed me, when it was time for me to move on. We've stayed in touch all these years. I cherish all their letters - and turn to them, whenever I am in need of some insightful, encouraging words. They were an inspiration, as individuals, and as an ideal, loving couple. Last year, Sally passed away. This week, Floodo joined her. They made my world, and the world of countless Salisbury students, a better place to be. They touched so many lives with their compassion, leadership, and strong values. Hopefully, many will follow their lead and succeed at achieving a life well-lived.Dick and Sally will always have a special place in my heart. Rose Ann Scamardella"
"I attended Nobles during Floodo's tenure there. He was the Dean of Students, French teacher, College Counselor, dorm parent, and Varsity Hockey and Baseball coach. I never was a student of his, but I definitely knew him as a disciplinarian, frustrated pitching coach, and as a college counselor who saved my back side. He and Sally touched all us in so many ways. They epitomized all that is good and important in private secondary school education of developing the whole person intellectually, physically, and spiritually. Floodo and Sal remained lifelong friends of mine and my family. It's just who they were. They were the best husband and wife team I have ever encountered. When I was married, they sat at the head table with us. I used to continually point out to my kids with great pride and wonderment how he knew three generations of Sangers intimately. A few of my friends and classmates had the great pleasure of paying a few visits with him in his waning months. Those visits and all my times spent with he and Sally over the span of 50 years will remain catalogued in my mind under that of "fondest memories." I can say without reservation or hesitation that I truly loved him. He is in the loving embrace of his beloved Sally now and that chases my sorrow away."