She was born June 29, 1930, to parents Peter Crisucci and Margaret (Landi) Crisucci, the youngest of nine children. The family lived in the Italian neighborhood known as Brier Hill in Youngstown. Smokey dreamed of an education. She loved learning and reading. Initially she wanted to become a nun, however, her father urged her to become a teacher. Smokey was the first in her family to attend college. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, along with her teaching credential, from Youngstown State University in 1958. Through continuing education, she also earned her masters equivalency.

Smokey began teaching in 1958 at Ursuline Catholic High School in Ohio. She taught there for two years before deciding that she wanted to move to California. In 1959, she moved to Glendora and taught at various schools and served as a girls’ softball, tennis, basketball and drill team coach. In 1974, Smokey transferred to Arlington High School. She was the head softball coach through the 1987-88 school year, during which time she decided to become the assistant coach as part of her succession plan. Smokey retired from teaching and coaching in 1990.

When Smokey began coaching, there were predominantly male coaches. Smokey was very instrumental in starting Title 9 in Riverside, in pursuit of equal opportunity for female athletes and female sports teams. Smokey was also involved in the coaches’ organization of Riverside. She was a key member of the team that organized interschool athletic competitions to facilitate competition between various schools in the Riverside area. Smokey worked with the CIF organization to set up softball playoff competitions and finals. Smokey’s softball teams went to the CIF playoffs 80 percent of the time, making the finals 50 percent of the time, and ranking as one of the top four teams of the Southern California region.

In retirement, Smokey enjoyed golfing, gardening and spending time with her family and friends, whom she referred to as “Kangangers.” Smokey has undoubtedly had an incredible and lasting impact on every life that she touched. She was a straight shooter, she spoke her mind and you always knew where you stood with her. She was fair, honest and always pushed those that she cared for to strive for and achieve their personal best. She held a special place in so many hearts, from students, to athletes, to colleagues and friends, and especially her family. Smokey was truly one of a kind and God broke the mold when he made her.

Smokey is survived by many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, many of whom followed in her footsteps and became teachers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Delores “Smokey” Crisucci to one of her favorite charities, The ASPCA, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. A funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at Saint Patrick Church in Youngstown.

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