RICHMOND, VA – (Saturday, February 22, 2014) – The Richmond Kickers were deeply saddened by the death of the club’s former President Tom Depcrynski, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 67. A key figure in the growth and success of the Kickers’ organization, Depcrynski was a major figure in USL history, and we send our condolences to his family and friends at this time.
“Tom Depcrynski was not only a massive influence on the Kickers organization, but he was also a tremendous person to work alongside,” USL President Tim Holt said. “During his time with the Kickers, he transformed the club from its position as a lone professional team into one of the great examples in U.S. Soccer of a progressive and integrated soccer club that served both genders. His passion for the game of soccer can still be seen in the Kickers’ organization, from its USL PRO side to the club’s outstanding academy program, and he was a key figure in league administration throughout his tenure at the club. He will be greatly missed.”
Depcrynski joined the Kickers in 1997 as the club’s Vice President and General Manager, and the following year was promoted to club President. He oversaw an outstanding period of growth for the club during which time the Kickers’ senior side claimed a pair of USL Second Division titles in 2006 and 2009. Under his leadership, the Kickers won three Organization of the Year awards, in 2000, 2006 and 2007, while Depcrynski also served on the Executive Committees of both the USL First and Second Divisions.
“[Tom] loved the Kickers and was passionate about seeing both the pro and the youth teams grow,” Kickers Director of Soccer Leigh Cowlishaw said to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “He wanted the Kickers to become an integral part of life in Richmond.”
Following the club’s championship in 2009 Depcrynski chose to step away from the club’s day-to-day operation. Since then, the club has continued to go from strength to strength, making a run to the semifinals of the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, winning the 2013 USL PRO Regular Season Championship, and securing a partnership with Major League Soccer’s D.C. United.
“I think there comes a time in everyone’s life when you’re ready to move on to something new and different,” Depcrynski told the Times-Dispatch upon his retirement. “I’ve spent a lot of time and effort building the [Kickers] organization and when I look at it now, my feeling is, ‘Mission accomplished.’ ”
A native of Uniontown, Pa., Depcrynski served in the U.S. Army Reserve. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the USO (www.uso.org/donate).
