Richard James Gaskin, also known as "Dick Gaskin" – passed away after a lengthy illness at Jackson Memorial North Hospital in Miami, FL on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 2:15 a.m. He was 86 years old.Richard was born on December 25, 1937 in Baconton, GA. to Hilda Mae Dennis Townsend (deceased) and Shelly Gordon Gaskin (deceased). He had two siblings, Freddie Gaskin (deceased) and Eloise Lloyd (deceased). After the death of his father, his mother moved him and his two siblings to Homestead, FL. Hilda married John W. Townsend and the family moved to Opa Locka, FL. John W. Townsend believed in education and was instrumental in ensuring that Richard attended school. Richard graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and pursued his college education at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in 1956. An excellent student and devout "Rattler", he graduated from FAMU in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.Richard served in the ROTC at FAMU. He was drafted into the Army in November of 1961, and was ordered to report to Fort Jackson in South Carolina on December 1, 1961. Once he finished basic training, he was sent to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas where he served as a Medic. He left the Army in November, 1963.Professionally, Richard served as Sports Commentator "Dick Gaskin" on the WMBM Radio Station. He began his teaching career in 1964 at Northwestern Senior High School. Due to integration of the schools, he was transferred to North Miami Senior High School where he retired from serving as a Government and History Instructor after 43 years. Due to his dedication to service and his passion for the field of education, he was awarded the United Teachers of Dade Award (1994) and the Department of Education Award in 1997. Although he served as a football coach, his greatest passion was serving as a Track Coach at North Miami Senior High School. During his tenure as Track Coach his team was the undefeated champions in the 4X100 Relay from 1982-1985. Other championships won include: Bob Hayes Relays, Florida Relays, Cougar Relays, Miami Relays, University of Miami Relays, Youth Fair Invitational Relays, Greater Miami Athletic Conference, District, Regional, and State. Based on his lucrative career as a Track Coach, Richard was recognized with the following: Miami Varsity Club Coaching Recognition Award (1979), Louie Bing Track Classic Coaching Award (1994), Dade County Track Coaches Award (2001), Lifetime Coaching Award (2002), Best Track Coach Award (2008), and the Louie Bing Track Classic 30 Year Outstanding Coaching Achievement Award. To honor the athletes that participated in sports at North Miami Senior High, Richard founded the North Miami Hall of Fame where he tirelessly worked for over 10 years to induct deserving athletes. Outside of the educational arena, Richard was a member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church for over 30 years where he served as a Trustee. He was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.