The Davin Family is Rooted in the Springfield College Humanics Philosophy

By: Damon Markiewicz

Springfield College alumnus Rick Davin ’77 has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and community involvement. A former United States Marine Corps officer, corporate executive, and longtime volunteer public servant, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to his country, profession, and community. Davin and his family exemplify what it truly means to live a life rooted in our Humanics philosophy.

Davin grew up in the Boston area and was raised in Lexington. Davin would later move with his family to Katonah, N.Y., where he attended John Jay High School in Cross River, N.Y. From a young age, he developed a passion for gymnastics, specializing in the horizontal bar and vaulting.

“I found a love for gymnastics as early as my junior high school years and that continued into high school,” explained Davin. “During my senior year of high school, the gymnastics program at Springfield College caught my attention, and that was a place I wanted to go explore.”

Davin found a home at Springfield College in the fall of 1973 as a dedicated four-year member of the men’s gymnastics team competing for head coach Frank A. Wolcott '52, G’60. Away from the gym, he worked as a student campus police officer, served as a resident assistant, and managed the College's co-ed gymnastics exhibition team, overseeing travel, logistics, equipment, staging, and performances.

“Springfield College was a great fit for me, and I was blessed to have Coach Wolcott in my life,” explained Davin. “Coach Wolcott treated us very well, and we developed such a special relationship that has continued on for many years. Coach Wolcott inspired me in so many different ways, including his Marine Corps background.”

During Davin’s time as a successful student-athlete at the College, he would use his summer months to attend the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va. Following flight training in Pensacola, Fla., Davin transitioned to the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines at Camp Pendleton, Calif. During his military career, he served in a variety of leadership positions, ultimately commanding an infantry company. After three years of active-duty service and nine additional years in the Individual Ready Reserve, he attained the rank of captain.

“My dad was a Marine and served for three years, and that was also inspiring to me,” explained Davin. “I was one of eight children growing up in the Boston area, and we were a very disciplined family. Upon graduating from Springfield College, I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. I was proud to serve just like my dad did. And, having Coach Wolcott also being a United States Marine Corps veteran, I was proud to serve like they did.”

The Davin family’s commitment to military service was not lost on his four sons. Joseph, James, Jason, and John all would go on to earn appointments to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Each went on to serve as a pilot in the United States Marine Corps, and utilize the events of September 11, 2001 as motivation to serve our country.

Davin enjoyed a distinguished 34-year telecommunications career with New York Telephone. Through a series of industry mergers, he continued with NYNEX, Bell Atlantic, and ultimately Verizon. Much of his career was spent managing major government accounts in New York City. Davin commuted to New York City for more than 20 years. He was working on the 12th floor of the World Trade Center’s second tower on 9/11. Helping evacuate his building after smelling jet fuel from the first tower being struck, Davin and his colleagues were on the street before the second plane crashed into his building at 9:03 AM.

“My sons were ranging from 6 to 14 years old at the time, and it was certainly a frightening day for so many,” explained Davin. “After the 9/11 attacks, I remained for two days in the New York City Police Command Center helping coordinate critical communications.”

The emotional events of 9/11 took the Davin family back in time to when they visited Rick’s dad in Washington, D.C., and Rick’s sons received their first tour of the United States Naval Academy together as a group.

“Following my dad’s retirement from GTE in Stamford, Conn., he was asked to serve as Assistant Post-Master General in Washington,” explained Davin. “During our visit, he asked me if I wanted to take the boys on a tour of the United States Naval Academy. It was during that trip that my oldest son, Joseph, expressed an interest. I think that only grew after the events on 9/11.”

Joseph would go on to achieve the rank of Marine Lieutenant Colonel, and inspire his three younger brothers to also serve in the Marine Corps. He is currently serving as an aviation acquisition officer, and lives in Maryland with his wife and three children. James is currently a Marine Major in the Marine Corps Reserve, working for Anduril and living in California with his wife and four children. Jason is currently a Marine Major and helicopter pilot, living with his wife and three children in Virginia. John is currently an F-35 instructor pilot based in South Carolina where he lives with his wife and newborn child. Like his older brothers, John recently enjoyed a promotion. 

“Most recently, our youngest son, John, was promoted to Marine Major, and he asked his oldest brother, Joseph, to swear him in as part of the ceremony,” explained Rick, “A special moment for our family.”

Retired from his telecommunications career since 2015, Davin has remained committed to public service throughout his civilian career. He served for 32 years with the Yorktown Auxiliary Police, retiring in 2017 as a captain. During his service, he received both the Yorktown Police Lifesaving Award and the Westchester County Meritorious Service Award.

“When I was a member of the auxiliary police, I commuted into Manhattan for 21 years,” explained Davin. “I would catch the 6 AM train, it would take about 90 minutes arriving into Grand Central Station, followed by a 30-minute subway ride into lower Manhattan. I would work until around 6:30 PM and catch the train ride home. Saturday night is when I would unwind from the work week, driving around in a patrol car. I always enjoyed being around town and being active.”

Davin currently still serves as chief of the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and he currently works as a court officer for the Yorktown Justice Court.

“As chief of the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, I am on call 24 hours a day,” explained Davin. “I manage 50 volunteers, 40 paid employees, and oversee four ambulances. I am also in court two days a week. We only have six court officers, so we are a tight-knit group.”

Davin and his wife, Rosemary, have been married for more than four decades. All four of their sons attended St. Patrick's School in Yorktown, NY and graduated from Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School in Somers, NY. Davin remains a member of the board of trustees for Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School.

“We recently had a special moment as our family was inducted into the Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School Hall of Fame,” explained Davin. “All four boys played sports there and they were involved with student government. It was a special honor.”

Staying busy during his retirement years, Davin continues to watch his family grow as he and his wife enjoy 12 grandkids. A resident of Yorktown for 35 years and now living in Somers, N.Y., Davin remains deeply involved in visiting and staying connected with Springfield College.

“I still wear my Springfield College class ring everywhere I go,” concluded Davin. “The spirit, mind, and body have always stayed with me. It’s in the culture of the College to get involved in your community. I loved the Springfield College environment and it is where I learned how important it is to give back to your community through volunteerism, public service, and leadership.”