Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
SLATTERY, Richard J.
SLATTERY, Richard J. (Dubuque, IA--Davenport, IA, May 10, 1977). Director, Dubuque Recreation Department. Slattery, a graduate of the UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE where he played varsity football, served as the assistant director of recreation in Dubuque from 1961 to 1963, and was director of the Dubuque Recreation Department from 1963 to 1975. He was also active locally on the board of directors of the DUBUQUE BOYS' CLUB and the FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER Executive Committee, Red Cross, and United Way. He played an important role in the construction of the FLOODWALL.
In 1975 Slattery moved to Davenport as the Davenport Parks Director. In a power struggle, Slattery was fired and then rehired. On his second day back at work after being rehired, Slattery was shot and killed by the son of Slattery's rival in the park department.
Slattery's work in Dubuque was remembered in 1978 when the Flora Park Barn, the home of the Dubuque Montessori School, was named the RICHARD J. SLATTERY ARTS AND RECREATION CENTER]. In addition to this recognition, one of the highest honors presented by the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association is named the Richard J. Slattery Outstanding Professional Award.
