Deacon “Coach” John R. Deti
Longtime Laramie resident John Reid Deti, 80, died on Thursday, November 21, 2019 in Cheyenne.
John was born in Laramie on August 2, 1939 to John and Marguerite “Babe” Deti.
He attended Laramie High School, where he excelled in athletics. He was an All-State football player at quarterback and led the Plainsmen to the state championship in 1957. He was All-State in basketball, and took second place in the state wrestling tournament as a freshman. John earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Chadron State University, and a master’s degree in education as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wyoming.
He was married to Roberta Sept in the spring of 1969 in Sheridan. Together they had two sons, Travis and Cody.
John’s professional career included brief stints as a lawyer and as a car salesman, but he is best known for his long teaching and successful coaching career at Laramie High School. Taking up the reigns after his legendary father, he led the Plainsmen football team for 26 years. His teams won numerous conference championships, made regular playoff appearances, and played in seven state championship games, winning two. He was a conference and state coach of the year, and coached several South Shrine Bowl teams. Following his retirement from coaching, he was elected to the Wyoming Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Wyoming Sports Hall of Fame. He pioneered the Wyoming Down Under Bowl program and took several Wyoming teams to compete in Australia and New Zealand. His coaching career also took him to Mullen High School in Denver, St. Stephens on the Wind River Indian Reservation, Cody, Sheridan and the University of Wyoming.
John’s coaching philosophy was simple: do the little things right and the bigger things will fall into place on their own. As a coach and mentor to hundreds of young men, he always pushed his players to do their best and go beyond their limits, not only in sports, but in everything they did. He had a natural gift of getting the most out of them, even when they felt there was nothing more to give.
Faith was always a priority and source of comfort and inspiration for John. He was devout Catholic his entire life. After a rigorous course of study, he was ordained as a deacon in 2005. His ministry at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church in Laramie was focused on providing service and comfort to the sick, elderly and imprisoned. He was a man of prayer and loved to share the Gospel.
John had an innate curiosity and love of learning and trying new and different things. He was a voracious reader, reading everything from Steven King and Tom Clancy to Sir Francis Bacon and St. Augustine. He was a perennial faculty reading champion at Laramie High School. He was also prolific writer, filling pages of yellow legal pads with daily journal entries spanning decades. He took up the piano in his 40’s, something he had always wanted to do and that gave him great joy. He was a licensed pilot. He loved to fish and spent countless evenings at the “Club Lake” west of Laramie. He was an American Soldier, giving over 20 years of service in the Wyoming National Guard.
He was health conscious his entire life and worked out constantly to keep his body in top physical shape. He enjoyed lifting weights, running and challenging himself physically. He ran and completed the Long Beach Marathon. But he was always up for drinking a beer or two with friends at Bud’s Bar or the Elks’ Club.
Family was always very important to him. He was devoted to his wife Roberta, who was his rock and fundamental to his success in life. He could not have accomplished all he did without her. He was proud of his sons and their wives, and loved his grandchildren deeply. Like St. Francis, he loved his animals and he always treated them with love and kindness.
John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Roberta; son John Travis (Kim) of Cheyenne; son Christopher Cody (Megan) of Normal, Illinois; his grandchildren John Francis, Brendan Robert, Samuel Wayne, Maddisyn Baillie and Emma Grace; his sister Sandra (Jim) Cooper of Fort Collins, Colorado along with many treasured nieces and nephews, other loved family members and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sharon and her husband Gene Benson.
Services will be held in Laramie, with visitation at Montgomery Stryker Funeral Home from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, and Rosary to follow at 6 p.m. at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Laurence O’ Toole Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to consider a donation to your church or local food bank, the charity of your choice, or Alzheimer’s Disease research.
Coach Ommen said that the word "Legacy" didn't do Coach Deti justice...and it doesn't. I was his first dedicated placekicker...he called me Kickerboy. I learned so much from this man. He was a man of honor, integrity, wisdom, and unsurpassed determination. The world lost an amazing mentor and teacher. My favorite thing about him was that despite all of the athletic trappings, Coach was a brilliant man who hid how smart he truly was to most of the people he met. There will never be another like him. RIP Coach.
Offering condolences to Roberta and family. I was John"s flight instructor in 1967 while he was coaching in Sheridan. John knew how to live life to its max. I know that you must be missing him.
I am sorry that my family could not attend. My parents went to TX on the 13th and I could not make it to pay my respect. We love your family, my mom recently was approached by a “kid” selling fund raising items, she asked his name, he said Deti...she made him come in the house and my parents explained the generational relationship they have with “john deti” they vowed to go watch central play and support a descendant of “john deti”... my condolences and respect to your family and appreciate the amazing contribution the deti family has had to Laramie and the entire state.
To the Deti Family, John was my coach at Cody High School in 1965 and my only regret was that I only had him as a coach for one year before he moved on to Sheridan. He most definitely pushed us to be better players and better people and I admired and respected his integrity as a dedicated teacher and coach. My deepest condolences and I know how many lives he touched with his many diverse interests during his lifetime.
Roberta, God bless you and the family. Although I only spent what seemed like a speck of time with John, he was such a wonderful man. From his time in my morning exercise classes to playing pool and enjoying a cold one, he made a lasting impact wherever he went, especially on me. I have read so many stories since his passing and got a glimpse into the legendary man that you called husband, father and grandfather and what a wonder tribute to his life and the life you have. John was one of my all time favorites and he will be missed. Rest in peace John Heaven has gained and angel. Love and hugs to all of you! Patty
Thank you Deacon John for administering the Eucharist to my dad all the time he was in the home and the conversations we shared about your parents and your uncle Barney. My sympathies/condolences/prayers to Roberta and all the Deti family.
My condolences to Coach Deti's family and the Plainsmen. I will always treasure the memories and friendship we developed over the years. In addition to the "little things" when talking football at a UW football clinic in the early 90's he said to me "just make the important things important." He most certainly did. In the words of Matthew 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Indeed Well Done Coach! With Admiration and Respect. Steve Harshman, Natrona County Mustangs
Too many years and memories of working with John on and off the field to put in this note. My sympathies to Roberta, a saint in so many ways, and to Travis and Cody. Legacy is too small a word as he touched the lives of thousands; and he touched mine as well. Love, Les
Our deepest condolences to all the family. So many memories that our family has had throughout the years involved Johnny and John From the days growing up with LHS Football through the years when Dom and I were in high school and Dom played for John (way too many wonderful stories there)! Then the memories of our kids and their classmates as they grew up with LHS football and then went to LHS to experience it especially when our son Brian played for Johnny (way to many wonderful stories there)! But the love we have is deeper than the experiences, it is because of the heart and soul of "Deti", Jr. and Sr. Johnny was one of the kindest men ever. He had one of those amazing senses of humor where you weren't always sure what he was going to say, but you knew you were going to laugh! It was fun to teach with him, to watch him as he learned to play the piano and excel. To then watch him as he became more involved in the church. Every Monday morning he would hunt me down to tell me how happy he was anytime our specific choir played ... especially when Sarah would join us on the violin. I never could convince him to come and play with us though. We were so honored when asked us to go to Colorado and play and sing for his Ordination. He was a great Deacon. Looking back, I think Johnny did just about everything he ever wanted to in life. He accomplished so much, tried so many different things, loved and adored his princess Roberta, Travis, Cody and their families with the strongest of love. He was a rock of a friend, a role model for many, a teacher of life as much as a teacher of Driver's Ed and a coach of young football players, a dedicated man to family and God. Each of us will miss him. The lights on the old Deti Stadium, turned on in his honor, still brings tears at the remembrance of looking at them last Friday. I think he (and John Sr.) smiled down on the lights shining one last time. Those lights also brought the thankfulness that so many of us share - thankful for Johnny being a part of all our lives. So thankful this day before Thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us. Love and sympathy to all the family from all of our family. Mardell and Dominic Aragon and Family
My sympathy to the family. Coach Deti was a coach and very nice person. I remember the conversations we had and will remember and have smile. You will miss but we all memories of your coaching and the effect you had on people Coach. You and Sammy are together now and your Mom and Dad.
What wonderful teacher he was I had for Pe & Drivers ED.. we talk when came in the Store at Safeway and saw him at Wyoming Cowboys games. I was the class of 1982 Mr Deti didn't care that I was in Special ED he was real good humanbeing and wish more people where like him and I will miss you from your Student Emery Walter Brunett JR.
A man devoted to his faith. A man devoted to the personal. academic, and athletic development of the youth of Wyoming. Johns unselfish, sincere contribution in the development of new basketball and football officials is greatly appreciated. Condolences and Thank you to the entire Deti family. Ed Pollard (retired) Former Pres. Albany County Officials Assoc.
I always enjoyed my time with John when I had the opportunity to broadcast Plainsmen games. What a legacy. He honestly was easier to deal with when the team lost! When they'd win he'd come up for an interview and disagree with all the positive things I'd say about the game. I remember one of the years when the team made it to the title game to play Rock Springs and he told me he had no idea how the team got here. I suspect it had a little to do with coaching. My thoughts are with Cody, Travis, Roberta and the rest of the family and all of the people he touched. I'll always see him with that stopwatch.
I will always remember the trip Johnny and I made from Laramie to Dickinson, ND to attend the funeral of Herb Hollyman in 1980. We visited about a numerous subjects on the drive, there and back, but little did we know what the good Lord had planned for us at that time. What a legacy, he leaves, of reaching out through coaching, education, leader and mentorship to all and of service to others in a spiritual way. We are all so fortunate for having a friend, coach, deacon, and great person in our lives.
My condolences to the Deti Family. I am a former proud Plainsmen football player. I was one of countless athletes who were fortunate to play for Coach. First; when he was an assistant for his Dad’s last season, Second; for two years when he took over as Head Coach, and third; as a South Team player for the 5th Annual Shrine Bowl. I lived for football. Deti football. Coach Deti was a deep thinker, always contemplating his words to players. He meant what he said and he expected your best efforts in performing his instructions. You could count on Coach to tell you the truth; good or bad. Playing football had its up’s and down’s but Coach Deti was fair. You knew even if you weren’t talented but practiced hard, he would find a way to play you – hard. On both sides of the football. He made you a tough player and proud to be a part of the team. After football, there were occasions where my life intertwined with Coach. He always asked how I was doing. We have discussed legal questions; fished together, shared beers together, rafted the Grand Canyon together. I am a John R. Deti football player
To the Deti Family; Words cannot express my sadness at the passing of John. He was a force to be reckoned with. His compassion for the underdog combined with his competitiveness and drive made him special. I'm guessing the Almighty is saying, John job well done come on home. I will never forget him. My thoughts are with you all.
Coach Deti was an amazing coach and mentor. What he taught me about football is small compared to the lessons he taught on how to live a good life. He was a great example on how to take care of the little things. My condolences to Mrs Deti, Travis, Cody, and your families. T.G. Benson
My heart goes out to the Deti family. John was a wonderful man. I had the pleasure and sometimes frustration of working with John at LHS for 23 years! My sons played football for him and we’re both on the 1994 Championship team and learned so much from him. On a personal note, In 2007 I transferred to an elementary school and was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after starting there. John had his drivers ed students bring him to the school and several times he came in the see how I was doing. Always with a smile and words of encouragement. He wrote me the most heartfelt note when he found out I was sick. I will always treasure his memory. Will miss you John❤️ Janie Moore, LHS Athletic Secretary 1983-2007.
So sorry for the loss he was a great person and coach. We will pray for comfort in the loss.
The number of lives this man touched and molded are immeasurable. Although many of us remember him as "Coach", he was much more, he had a tremendous impact on me, my classmates and many others. My biggest highlight and thing that I will never forget was to coach in the 2001 Shrine Bowl with him, what a special week that was and I will hold on to that forever. I offer my sincere condolences to Roberta, Travis and Cody as well as their families, he was truly a special man and his legacy will live on forever-- John Hilim (Class of '80)
My condolences to a very special family and a coach and friend! !! !What I learned and Coach Deti friendship I will always cherish!!!May God bless the Deti family !! You know he's still coaching!!
Deacon John was a good man, and our family will miss him. He always asked how Cole's wrestling & football were going, and always had time to visit. He will me missed.
We are so sorry and will pray for John and the family. Chilton and Maureen Williamson
I have known John for many years and have c0nsidered him a friend. He always had a friendly disposition, was helpful and very likable. I shall miss him dearly
My son had the pleasure of serving as an altar boy during one of Deacon John's last years at St. Laurence. I was lucky enough to get a photo of them together. Deacon John was always so kind and always had a smile for everyone. What a wonderful man and great role model for so many. The Knievel Family.
There are certain things that mold a boy into a man. One of those things for me was my football coach John Deti. Many won’t understand the impact he had on me. A man of few words but when he spoke, you listened. He taught me the value of hard work, playing as a team instead of as an individual, respecting adults everywhere you are, the importance of education, fighting through adversity, being tough through mental and physical pain, handling the tough losses in life and setting aside differences to be successful. I could go on and on and on, but this man was a mentor like none other. My fellow Plainsmen will understand what I’m talking about. I hope God blesses him in heaven for his service and gives him a new stopwatch at the gate. Rest In Peace Coach, your legend will continue through the memories we all created under your leadership. I will always remember you as my coach and my deacon in my wedding! My best and prayers to your family #51 class of 2001. Brian and Shalley Aragon
Mr Deti was my high school driving teacher. I remember he used to bring a cup of coffee on our drives and joked that if we spilled it while driving, we failed. I think of him often while driving and sipping coffee. My condolences to his family.
Roberta, Travis, and Cody— John was a great mentor to me both as a teacher at LHS, an intramural basketball player, and as a friend. I often sat in his room when I was troubled and took advice on keeping the little things at the forefront. When I was pregnant with my first child he said he hoped it would be a quarterback. I told him she would be. I will never forget the influence he had on my life and so many others. Tammy Johnson
Thanks for being you! We were so lucky to have you as our deacon at St. Laurence church. You gave our priest rest when you stepped in to do communion services to us all. And when you coached our sons. They always cherished their football careers in high school with you. God bless you coach for all you did. Thanks from the Frausto family. Bob, Terri, J. J. Donna & Brian ??