Southmoreland football coach Bukowski deals with the death of his father shortly before the start of the 2024 season

From: Bill Beckner Jr.

Monday, August 19, 2024 | 8:52 p.m.

Tim Bukowski, Southmoreland's football coach for the past three years, will lead the Scotties in their season opener Friday night with a heavy heart following the death of his father.

Ron Bukowski, 81, died Monday morning in hospice care at his Fayette County home after a long battle with cancer.

The late Bukowski, nicknamed “Arch,” was a Southmoreland fan because of his son and until last week planned to watch the team kick off a promising season.

“It's going to be weird when he's not in the stands,” Tim Bukowski said. “A different vibe. I was hoping he would watch a few more games. After he was diagnosed two months ago, he told the doctors and nurses, 'Just get me through football season.' He was still determined.”

Ron Bukowski liked to get to games early to get a front-row seat at Russ Grimm Field. His son will likely catch a glimpse of the stands on Friday when the Scotties host Valley.

“He loved the morning after the games,” the coach said. “We talked about it. He would go out to eat with us after the home games.”

Ron Bukowski also followed Clairton when his son was offensive coordinator there.

“He went with us to Hershey when we won the state championship,” Tim Bukowski said.

Tim Bukowski, a former assistant now in his seventh year with the program, took over the team in 2022 following the sudden death of Ron Frederick, a colleague who had just been promoted to head coach.

Frederick's father, Ron, recently had a sweatshirt made for Ron Bukowski, featuring the former player number of the young Ron Frederick, 67.

The big lineman played in Southmoreland and Tulsa.

“This will now be part of my game day uniform,” said Tim Bukowski.

Ron Bukowski, an Air Force veteran who worked for U.S. Steel and owned a 55-acre farm, taught his son the value of hard work. The coach passes that on to his team every day.

“Until two months ago, he was still chopping wood and driving the tractor around the farm,” said Tim Bukowski. “He was a real worker.”

The coach said his father asked him to speak at a team banquet last year, and his speech to the seniors was heartfelt and memorable.

“I'm so glad I caught it on video,” Tim Bukowski said. “I remember going to the farm that week and he had all these little notes with what he wanted to say.”

“He believed that the graduating class helped change the direction of Scotties football and that it would lead to future success. He will remain in my heart, I can tell you that.”

No exact details have been announced, but the viewing will take place on Thursday and the funeral on Friday.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. Reach him at [email protected].

Tags: Southmoreland