Washington High School teacher and coach Ron Todd remembered for dedication to community

William Ronald Todd was more than a football coach and teacher in the Washington, Pa. School District.

“Ron Todd was a great guy. He’s going to be dearly missed,” said one of his colleagues, Mike Bosnic Sr.

The elder Bosnic, like Todd, is on the Prexies coaching staff led by Mike Bosnic Jr.

Todd, of Washington, died after collapsing in the stands Friday evening, Aug. 22, as the Prexies hosted McGuffey in its season opener. He was 50. The Prexies triumphed over the Highlanders 28-7, something that was noted in Todd’s online obituary.

A cause of death wasn’t announced, but Todd suffered a fatal heart issue at about 9:45 p.m. and was taken by ambulance to UPMC Washington, where he was pronounced dead at 10:23 p.m.

Todd died of natural causes, Washington County Coroner Timothy Warco said.

“This is going to be a very difficult week, but we need to cherish the memories we have of Coach Ron Todd, give him the respect he deserves, and celebrate the life of a really great person who positively impacted the lives of so many (students, staff, family, and friends) in this school community,” Washington School District acting Superintendent B.J. Mihelcic wrote in a note to staffers he shared Monday with TribLive.

In a Facebook post, Mihelcic called Todd a dedicated educator and mentor. Grief counselors helped students and staff mourn on Monday.

Todd was a graduate of Canon-McMillan School District and earned two master’s degrees from Grand Canyon University, according to his obituary.

He was a special education teacher at Washington Middle School and was head coach of the middle school football team in addition to being an assistant varsity coach. He also coached baseball and bocce.

“Ron never turned away from any student in need. He loved every one of his students unconditionally and was always the first to step up and help in any situation,” Camilla Justice, the district’s special education director, wrote in an email to TribLive. “He made a difference every single day. He had an incredible way of meeting students where they were, challenging them while never letting them feel alone.

“Ron showed patience in the hardest moments, strength when situations felt overwhelming, and unwavering loyalty to the kids who needed him most. He was just as present for his colleagues — often reaching out with a message, a listening ear, or simply the right words at the right time. His impact wasn’t just in what he taught, but in how he made people feel: valued, supported, and never forgotten.”

Among the highlights of Todd’s coaching career, according to his obituary, was being part of the staff that led the district’s varsity team to the 2001 PIAA AA championship.

Survivors include his wife, Jill Todd; his father, Ricky Burnfield; his brothers, Derrick Burnfield, Robb (Joe) Todd, and Dan Todd; and his sister, Alyssa Todd.

Arrangements are by William G. Neal Funeral Home.

“His legacy will live on in the students who carry his lessons forward, in the colleagues who strive to live by his example, and in a community that will forever be better because he was part of it,” Justice wrote.