The passing of Bob Dickerman '50

His connection to PCD spanned more than eight decades, beginning in the mid-1940s when he first arrived as a middle school student, and continuing through this spring as an assistant coach with the varsity baseball team. Bob joined the Country Day faculty in 1957, following studies at Amherst College and service in the United States Air Force. Few individuals have left a mark on our school as indelible and consequential as Coach Dickerman. He was one month shy of his 93rd birthday at the time of his passing. 

A school leader blessed with keen intelligence and exceptional organizational ability, Mr. Dickerman brought vision and discipline to everything he touched. As Athletic Director from 1965-1994, he led PCD’s athletic program through a period of tremendous competitive success. Under his leadership, Country Day teams and athletes consistently punched above their weight against much larger peer institutions. Nowhere was this more evident than on the baseball diamond, where his teams earned respect from prep and public opponents alike throughout Rhode Island and New England.

Beyond PCD, Coach Dickerman was a legendary figure in amateur baseball circles across New England, coaching teams to success and championships in the Portland Twilight League, American Legion, Connie Mack, the Cranberry League, the RI Amateur League, and at Gordon College. He influenced generations of players with his high standards and competitiveness, sharp baseball intellect, and deep commitment to doing things the right way. He maintained Dickerman Diamond (aptly named!) with care and pride, ensuring it remained a model of excellence for all who played there.

And yet, perhaps his greatest legacy is found not in records or banners, but in the people he shaped. Students, athletes, colleagues, and friends all recall his wry humor ("Have a nice summer, Mr. Dickerman." "Don’t tell me what to do!”), his unwavering standards ("Anything worth doing is worth doing properly” and “Luck is the residue of design.”), and his steadfast devotion to Country Day — its traditions, its history, and its people.

Coach Dickerman was also an extraordinarily generous benefactor to the school, and his impact will be felt far into the future. His legacy lives on in every well-tended field, every spirited contest, every student inspired to strive for excellence.

We will share information about services and opportunities to celebrate his life in the days ahead. For now, we invite our community to join us in remembering a remarkable man whose spirit and devotion helped shape the heart of Providence Country Day. His influence on our school cannot be overstated and we are grateful for having known him.