Ron Pires Willimantic CT, Longtime E. O. Smith High School basketball coach has died
What happened to Ron Pires? Learn more about Ron Pires' death and obituary

Ron Pires Death – Longtime E. O. Smith High School basketball coach Ron Pires of Willimantic, Connecticut has died. He passed away sadly leaving family, friends and the entirety of his students in shock. He was confirmed dead through a Facebook post that says “Prayers to all the players and family who were touched by Coach Ron Pires for decades. Football team made it a great night in honor of Coach. Thanks Coach Pires for a life of teaching and giving”. The cause of his death was not mentioned.
Ron Pire Career
Ron Pires, celebrated for his illustrious basketball career at Norwich Free Academy and Eastern Connecticut State College, commenced his tenure at E.O. Smith in 1980, where he astounded with his exceptional teaching prowess and unwavering guidance. Throughout an impressive span of 35 years, Coach Pires led the boys basketball team to an impressive record of 514 victories, boasting an outstanding tally of seven 20-win seasons and an extraordinary 66-game home league winning streak from 1990 to 1995.
His leadership resulted in 29 state tournament qualifications, accompanied by 10 conference championships and six conference tournament titles, culminating in two Class L state finals appearances. In 2015, Pires was rightfully awarded the title of Connecticut High School Boys Basketball Coach of the Year. Moreover, he cherished a lengthy and cherished career as a revered educator at the esteemed Helen Baldwin School in Canterbury.
Who was Ron Pires?
Ron Pires was lauded not only for his coaching skills but also for his great leadership. A born leader, he has a special knack for seeing and developing the potential in each of his players, pushing them to go beyond their comfort zones. His leadership style was distinct in that it combines empathy and tough love in a way that encourages both individual development and team progress. Under his leadership, teams have flourished not only in terms of athletic success, but also in terms of developing a deep sense of teamwork and sportsmanship.
He clearly appreciates the power of athletics to inspire positive change in people’s lives, as evidenced by his dedication to philanthropy. Pires was a living example of what it means to be a sportsman by championing diversity and inclusion through his humanitarian work and community engagement projects.
Ron Pires’ obituary will be released by the family
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