(Courtesy of RKYHS) In a letter to parents, Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School Head of School Rabbi Eliezer Rubin shared the news that Dave Cilio, beloved former RKYHS wrestling team coach, had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, July 2.

Coach Cilio led the Kushner Cobras to their first-ever national Wittenberg tournament victory in 2018 and established a discipline and mindset in the team which helped carry them to Wittenberg tournament victories in 2019 and 2020.

In Rabbi Rubin’s words, “But Coach Cilio was not just a sports instructor; he was a life coach, mentor and motivator to all the members of the team, both on and off the wrestling mat. This included a large contingent of Maor [High School at RKYHS] students working, and winning, side by side with their RKYHS teammates. Under Coach Cilio’s tutelage, RKYHS/Maor student athletes developed disciplined work habits and exceptional character; his goal was to help teach his students how to become good men, good husbands and good fathers. A proud former US Marine, Coach Cilio led by example. Several of his students went on to join the IDF, where they served in combat units with distinction.

“The RKYHS/Maor family will lovingly remember Coach Cilio for his dedication to his students and his ability to always push them to be their best and to believe in themselves. We send our deepest condolences to his wife Michelle and family. May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration.”