A former Youngstown City Councilman has died at 82.

According to an obituary from Sommerville Funeral Services, Richard "Dickie" Atkinson died on Saturday, February 17.

Atkinson was the first black man to serve as Councilman for Youngstown's 3rd Ward and President of the Youngstown School Board. 

Atkinson grew up on the city's North Side and was a graduate of the Rayen School and Youngstown State University.

According to his obituary, Atkinson spent a significant amount of time as a community activist assisting anyone he could. He was a founding member of Freedom Inc. and the Marcus Garvey School, which helped folks build a strong sense of purpose and understanding of community.

He was also a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Tabernacle's Ministerial Leadership providing direct assistance in administrations in administration and management of church programs and functions.

Additionally, Atkinson served as President of the North Side Citizens Coalition and served on several committees as President Pro Tempore.

He also chaired the Board of Trustees for the Mahoning/Youngstown Community Action Program, was a Board Member of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Development Foundation, a member of the Mercy Health Board of Directors and the District XI Area Agency on Aging, as well as Goodwill Industries Housing Corp.

Atkinson was also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Girl Scouts of the Mahoning Valley and Youngstown Area Urban League. He also served on the Advisory Boards for the Mill Creek Park Community Corrections Corporation of America and Community Advisory Board for the Mahoning County Human Services Department.

Calling hours for Atkinson will be held on Thursday, February 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again on Friday, February 23 from 11:00 a.m. until noon at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

The funeral will immediately follow Friday's calling hours and will be live streamed here.