Coach who had been in coma passes away

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) – A wrestling coach who had been in a coma for months has died.

George Schmeider passed away Monday afternoon after a long illness.

Schmeider is a husband, father of four, teacher, local volunteer, and coach. The community recently gathered for a fundraising rag ball tournament to help his family with medical costs.

• Related: Local coach slips into mysterious coma

When he returned from an out of state tournament back in August, he suddenly became sick, and slipped into a coma.

"I love him like a brother, like a father, it's really hard to describe George in words. It doesn't matter if it were soaking wet in the rain, if you needed a jacket he would take it off his back and give it to you," said friend Gary Constatino.

Calling hours for Schmeider will be held Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quinn Funeral Home in Warwick.