BHS Alumni & Friends Foundation Introduces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Duez
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on October 05, 2025
Richard Duez is among 2025 inductees for the BHS Alumni & Friends Foundation Hall of Fame and will be honored Oct. 31 at the BHS football game, as well as Nov. 1 at the foundation's annual banquet at The O by Oliverio's. Tickets are available at $55 each HERE.
Richard has lived nearly his entire life in Bridgeport, West Virginia, where his love for family, history, and community has made him one of the town’s most respected and beloved history resources.
Richard was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and later moved to Harrison County when his family followed the glass cutting industry. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1962 and soon after married the love of his life, Norma Dale Lazzelle (Bridgeport High School Class of 1962) in 1965. Together, they built a life in Bridgeport and raised their two children. Their daughter, Sheri (BHS Class of 1985), lives in Clarksburg, Maryland with her husband, Tim Hyatt; they have two sons, Christopher, 26, and Alex, 20. Their son, Matt (BHS Class of 1987), lives in Bridgeport with his wife, Michelle; they have three sons, Michael, 28, Mark, 25, and Mitchell, 21.
Richard worked for many years at Adamston Flat Glass, providing for his family in an industry that was once the lifeblood of the region. When the glass industry slowed, Richard turned his energy and skills toward antiques and antique repair, building a reputation for master craftsmanship and knowledge.
Throughout his life, he also nurtured a deep passion for history, especially the history of Bridgeport and Harrison County. For decades, Richard has been known as the city’s “unofficial historian.” He has carefully built an extraordinary photo collection that documents
Bridgeport’s past, from everyday life to major community events, creating a living archive for generations to appreciate. With his eye for detail and gift for storytelling, Richard has preserved moments that might otherwise have been forgotten. He generously shares this collection with schools, civic groups, and community organizations, inspiring a greater appreciation of Bridgeport and surrounding communities’ heritages. His participation as a Harrison County Sesquicentennial Committee member further demonstrated this dedication, as he helped organize tours and events that brought history to life for both residents and visitors.
Richard’s devotion to the community extends far beyond history. For many years, he poured his energy into coaching peewee football, teaching young athletes not only the fundamentals of the game but also the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Countless players remember the encouragement and guidance of “Coach Duez.” His love of sports never faded—he has been a fixture at Bridgeport High School football and other sports games and matches for decades, proudly supporting the Indians at home and faithfully following away games on the radio.
A strong believer in giving back, Richard has also supported Bridgeport High School through generous contributions to major projects, including the rebuilding of the football field and track. His investments of both time and resources reflect his commitment to ensuring that BHS remains a place of pride and opportunity for future generations.
At his core, Richard has a strong loyalty, and steadfast dedication to Bridgeport. He has never sought recognition for his efforts, yet his influence is deeply felt throughout Bridgeport—in its history, its athletic programs, its school traditions, and the lives of those he has touched. His love for his family and his town defines his legacy.
Today, Richard’s story is not only one of personal devotion but also of enduring community spirit. His induction into the Bridgeport High School Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor he truly appreciates and values.
.jpg)
