Hall of Fame
J. Richard Lynch ’60 – Class of 1986
Eloquent action…
Forceful and fluent expression is the mark of eloquence, and attribute too often associated solely with the spoken word. There are those among us who embody an uncommon eloquence. Their forcefulness and fluency are of a truer sort, derived from deed rather than speech.
In the Fall of 1955 a quiet young man possessed with this special quality arrived at Le Moyne College, following a stellar basketball career at Fayetteville-Manlius High School. Never one to speak volumes when a few words will do, Coach Tom Niland explains why he earnestly recruited the sought-after youth, “Dick Lynch could shoot.”
And shoot he did for the Dolphins, with an eloquence which belies the fact that an early version of the box-and-one defense was built into opponents’ attempts to cope with his ability. His field-goal percentage approached 50 percent, an amazing mark for one who generally put the ball up from the far regions of the court.
He was possessed of a wonderful sense of the court, and understanding of the game which made him a thinking man’s player and gave one an inkling of his future career accomplishment.
In three varsity seasons, the slender forward poured 1,150 points through the hoop. He was the heart of Le Moyne teams that compiled a record of 43 wins against only 22 losses. A senior-year injury prevented even greater scoring and limited the Dolphins’ post-season success, yet he was selected the College’s athlete of the year for his work on the court.
His academic work as an economics major spoke for itself too. The Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference honored him for his balance of scholarship and athletic skill.
After Le Moyne, he completed his training by earning a law degree at Syracuse University. He then worked for a short time at a law firm in Syracuse before joining a small office established by Robert Milford in Skaneateles that was eventually to become Milford and Lynch.
The practice of law particularly suited the bright young man who spoke seldom but precisely, who had the ability to cut to the heart of a question. Under Robert Milford’s guiding hand the younger partner’s legal skill became honed to a level approaching that he once enjoyed on the hardwood. Milford and Lynch prospered and a deep friendship and professional camaraderie developed. Without fanfare, a debt and an abiding respect is eloquently acknowledged in the fact that the name of the firm remains unchanged several years after the untimely passing of its founder.
Basketball and the law are just two elements of Dick Lynch’s life which call for his membership in the Hall of Fame. A mutual friend introduced him to a young lady from Massena who was to become Margret Lynch. She is known as Penny to the many from Le Moyne who were to come to value her friendship. John, Jr., Brian, Allison and Christopher join them to form a warm, supportive family in which they take just - but quiet - pride.
There still is time for service to the commonwealth, and for his alma mater. Active in numerous civic activities, Dick gives generously of spare moments to serve behind the scenes. Tasks like scheduling altar server assignments at St. Mary’s Parish or serving as a catalyst for a local group working to combat drug abuse are the kinds of actions chosen by Dick Lynch. He was the key participant in the founding of the Gold Wave and is an active member of the alumni association. For many years he has quietly acknowledged another debt to another mentor, his college coach, by bringing together mutual friends for the “original” Tim Niland Open.
He is perhaps proudest of his association with the Delaney Basketball Program. For more than a dozen years he has coached teams which bring the thrill of participation in the game he loves so well to youths in his hometown - regardless of their talent.
We have here a man of few words but forceful and fluent action. A man who chooses to accomplish rather than to argue; To make a point, whether in basketball, the law or community service, by doing rather than discussing ; To show he cares by a short note of encouragement rather than an emotional outburst.
His life is eloquent testimony to the worthy induction of J. Richard Lynch to the
Le Moyne College Athletic Hall of Fame
May 3, 1986
