Nicholas R. Tate -- long-time teacher and coach at LaSalle Senior High School and one of Niagara Falls' most honored high-school and college athletes, passed September 4, 2014 after a long illness at Millard Fillmore Suburb Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 78.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY to the late Joseph and Frances (Trunzo) Tate, he became a celebrated athlete, setting multiple city records as a three-letter man (football, baseball, and basketball) at Niagara Falls High School. Before graduating in 1954, Tate set a state record by scoring 97 points and 15 touchdowns in a single season (in 1953, as a junior), earning him the nickname "Touchdown Tate." He was also named to the National Scholastic All-American High School Football team (as a halfback), selected by the Wigwam Wisemen of America.

Tate received a full football scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso, from which he graduated in 1959 with a B.S. in education, minoring in bacteriology. He later also received his Masters in Physical Education.

On July 19, 1958, he married the love of his life, Annette (Faiola) Tate. Together they raised three children, Nicholas, Rebecca and Christopher.

From 1959 to 1966, he taught physical education, physics and science at Irvin High School in El Paso. He also was junior varsity football coach and, in 1965, as head baseball coach he led the team to the school's first-ever all-city championship, clinching the Western Division Title in the District One Class AAA Scholastic League.

In 1966, he and his family returned to his native Niagara Falls, where he taught and coached until his retirement in 1997. As a coach, Tate replicated -- and perhaps exceeded -- his illustrious athletic performance as a talented high school and college athlete. He made his biggest mark as head coach of the LaSalle varsity football and baseball teams.

In 1976, he was named Coach of the Year for Western New York High Schools after leading the LaSalle High School varsity football team to an unprecedented undefeated season. In 1997, he was inducted into the Niagara Falls High School Sports Hall of Fame -- as a coach and player -- along with the every member of the 1976 team. In 1981, he also took the LaSalle varsity baseball team to the state championships.

As a coach and teacher, Tate was celebrated for his extraordinary competitive intensity, his commitment to excellence and a quirky sense of humor, often demonstrated in the many sports philosophies he shared with his players and students. He was a big fan of Joseph Campbell, and often quoted his admonishment to "follow your bliss" -- a philosophy of life that he embraced and demonstrated in his own life. To many friends, family, students and players, he was always known simply as "Coach Tate."

Tate is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Annette, and three children Nicholas J. (Jodi) Tate of Parkland, FL, Rebecca (Brian) Dowsey of Youngstown, NY, and Christopher (Gretchen) Tate of Charleston, SC, and six grandchildren, Danny Tate, Joshua Tate, Kristen Dowsey, Zachary Dowsey, Gina Tate and Benedetto Tate. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy (Leonard) Gravino of Niagara Falls, NY and besides his parents was predeceased by his sisters Margaret Masters and Anna Mae LaRocca, and by many loving cousins, family members, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday September 8th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph's Church 1413 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, O.S.F.S. officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nicholas Tate's name to the Hospice Buffalo's Angel Fund, Hospice Foundation, 225 Como Park Blvd., Buffalo, NY, 14227 www.hospicebuffalo.com/donatehospice-angels-fund. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.