2-time Super Bowl official Dick Creed dies at 93

Former NFL deep wing Dick Creed passed away on December 28, two days after his 93rd birthday.

A native of Ohio, Creed worked for 21 years as a NFL side judge and field judge (the current position designation), and another 15 years as a NFL replay official. He was hired in 1978, when the NFL staffed up as it went to seven-person crews. He wore number 61 for most of his career.

After graduating from high school, Creed went to the University of Louisville on a football scholarship. He was then drafted and served three years in the Marine Corps. After an honorable discharge, he completed his education at Youngstown College. He then started his own construction company.

Picking up the striped shirt and whistle

After college, Creed started officiating high school football and basketball. He worked his way up through the ranks and joined the NFL in 1978. For Creed’s first nine seasons, he was assigned to referee Pat Haggerty’s crew. He also worked on crews lead by Gordon McCarter, Tom White, Red Cashion, Bernie Kukar and Walt Coleman.

Creed was part of several exciting games. One of his toughest games was a pre-season game in 1986 where he was part of the crew that tried to quell a near riot between the Chicago Bears and Saint Louis Cardinals.

In his 21 seasons, Creed worked 18 playoff games: seven wild card games, eight divisional games, one conference championship and Super Bowls XXVI and XXX.

Retired from the field, but not officiating

After Creed left the field, he was a replay official for 15 seasons. He also enjoyed watching his son officiate basketball and football.

In 2012, the NFL honored Creed with the Art McNally Award.

His wife of 65 years, JoAnn preceded him in death. Creed leaves behind four children and three grandchildren.

Our condolences to all who knew him and loved him. The text of his obituary is below.

Richard “Dick” Creed, 93, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born December 26, 1931, in Struthers, Ohio, a son of Joe and Mabel Lyon Creed.

Dick was a 1950 graduate of Struthers High School. He was a standout athlete and participated in football and basketball. Dick was inducted into the Struthers Hall of Fame in 1988. After graduating, Dick received a four-year scholarship for football to the University of Louisville, Kentucky. After two seasons, he along with many others was drafted into the service. Dick went home and enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. After three years, he was honorably discharged. Dick returned to Struthers and attended Youngstown College and received a two-year associates business degree. He started his own construction company building homes in Struthers, Boardman, Poland, etc.

On November 22, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Roemer. They were married for 65 years. They raised four children, Megan, Josh, Todd and T.C.

Dick’s love of sports brought him into officiating football and basketball. He advanced in football from high school to 22 years as an on-field official in the NFL. He officiated 25 playoff games, including Super Bowls 26 and 30. The NFL allowed him to travel all over the United States and the world to officiate including Berlin, Frankfurt, London, and Sweden. Dick retired in 1998 from the NFL but continued to work as a Replay Official for an additional 15 years. Dick was awarded the Art McNally award which is in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

One of Dick’s biggest enjoyments was watching his grandchildren, Elijah and Ella, participate in sports. He also enjoyed watching his son, T.C., who officiated football and basketball. Being in physical shape was important to Dick and he could be found every day at the Youngstown YMCA or the IFC Center in Struthers, Ohio.

Dick will be remembered by his four children, Josh Creed and Todd Creed, both of Struthers, Ohio, Megan Creed of Austintown, Ohio and T.C. (Kimberly) Creed of Poland, Ohio and grandchildren, Elijah, Ella and Everett.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mabel Creed; his wife, JoAnn Creed and two brothers, William Creed and Thomas Creed.

There will be no calling hours or services.

The family would like to thank Donna Roemer for her companionship towards Dick for the past two years.

The family would also like to thank Hospice of the Valley for taking care of Dick.

Memorial contributions can either be made to Hospice of the Valley or Akron Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements handled by Becker Funeral Homes.