Coach Bob Ewing in 1987. Submitted photo: Joe Gallagher
By Terry Toohey & Rob Parent
Ewing’s life revolved around family and football. He adored his wife, Bernice, and cherished his time with his sons Bob Jr. and Mike, and his grandchildren.
He brought that same passion to the football field, first as a player at St. James and later as an assistant coach at his alma mater and the head coach for 16 seasons at Cardinal O’Hara.
Ewing passed away Monday night at 88.
“It was a family thing,” his son, Bob Jr. said of his father’s lengthy coaching career. “Our family was always doing that football thing. We didn’t know who the Eagles were playing because of Catholic League football on Sundays.”
“Growing up on the O’Hara sideline, watching him coach, were great memories,” said Ewing’s grandson Michael, now Ridley’s offensive coordinator. “People would tell me how good a coach he was but that fiery personality never came home with him. When we were at home he was just Pop-Pop. He loved to compete and cherished his wins on the field but he would always, always tell us and anyone that would listen that those wins are great, but they don’t mean a thing of you don’t take care of your kids and set them up to be successful people well after they leave O’Hara.”
