SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The University of San Francisco athletics family is saddened to acknowledge the recent of passing of former USF football player, Dick Colombini, wjo passed away last month at the age of 91.

A member of the undefeated 1951 USF football team, Colombini spent his life recounting the stories of his time competing on the Hilltop while proudly standing with his African-American teammates Burl Toler and Ollie Matson when the pair were banned from competing in the Orange Bowl due to the color of their skin.

After a stint in the Army at the conclusion of the Korean War in the mid-1950's, Colombini began working as an apprentice for his father in his construction company that helped set up his future career path in the business as he became a partner in 1962 before eventually rising to become the president.

Colombini's construction business worked on constructing schools, banks, churches, stores, office buildings, wineries and many other structures throughout Sonoma County.

A big proponent of giving back to the people of Santa Rosa, Colombini made a habit of donating his time and resources to his neighbors in Sonoma by volunteering and making individual donations.

He is survived by his wife Angie, six children, one stepson, 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Santa Rosa High School Foundation.