(Sept. 30, 1932 - Dec. 11, 2011)
George Rich, an alumnus, volunteer and longtime supporter of The College at Brockport, passed away Dec. 11 after a brief illness. He was 79.
Rich, who received his degrees in 1954 and 1962 from Brockport, is survived by his wife of 38 years and best friend, Rosa "Rosie" (LaSorte) Rich, who taught physical education and health at the College from 1958 to 1964 and also is a loyal supporter and friend of the College.
A native of Brockport often referred to as "Mr. Brockport," George was a beloved member of the community and will be missed by us all.
"George meant so much to so many. There's really no way to express our grief," said Brad Schreiber '83, executive director of development and alumni relations for the College. "He will be missed, but he leaves a legacy that is unparalleled."
"Our hearts go out to Rosie," added Schreiber.
One of six children whose father was a laborer at Eastman Kodak Co., George attended the Campus School. While attending Brockport, he lived at home but had the opportunity to fully participate in student activities, including writing for "The Stylus," the student newspaper.
Rich received his bachelor's degree in education cum laude in 1954. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 in Germany. He traveled in Germany and visited Denmark, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. The year he returned home, he took a job with the Rochester City School District, where he taught elementary grades until he retired in 1990. In 1962, he received his master's in education from Brockport.
George met Rosie in 1958 through a mutual friend, Jeanette D'Agostino Banker '53, emeritus professor of education, who had attended school with George and was a colleague of Rosie's. Fourteen and a half years to the day they met—and after Rosie traveled across two continents, one of which she lived and worked in for four years—George proposed to Rosie, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Arguably the most recognizable couple on campus, on March 2, 2011 the Riches celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary.
George celebrated the lives of Brockport students each day through his philanthropy and presence at campus events. He attended as many athletic events and arts performances as he could with Rosie.
George served on the Brockport Alumni Association Board. Board president from 1998 to 2004, he had the longest tenure of any Association president. In 2004, he was inducted into the Hall of Heritage for making exceptional contributions to the Association, College and community, as well as his profession.
In 2010, the Riches created two awards in support of the College. While Rosie established the Rosa LaSorte Rich Scholarship, awarded to an incoming student interested in teaching, George established the George Rich Student Philanthropy Award, an award to educate students about philanthropy and encourage them to donate to Brockport after they graduate.
He set up the award to provide a student or student group with $500, with the recipients also receiving $500 to donate to an on-campus philanthropic, educational or cultural endeavor of their choosing. George was able to distribute the first round of awards last year.
"I often feel we get more than we give," George said earlier this year when he and Rosie were interviewed about their philanthropy.
As a lifelong resident of the Brockport area, he noted there is an historical relationship between the College and community in which it is located. He gave the award to one group of students who were cited for their Arbor Day tree plantings, helping to build a community playground, doing chores for the local historical society and participating in community holiday activities, to name a few.
George also was involved with the Rochester Teachers Association and Western Monroe Historical Society.
In addition to Rosie, George is survived by his sister, Shirley Hicks; his brothers, Fred and Terry (Mary Ellen) Rich; many nieces and nephews; in-laws; and family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Harris and Helen; his sister, Marlene; and his brother, James.
The outpouring of support to Rosie, through cards, letters and visits, and the number and value of gifts in memory of George to the student philanthropy award that bears his name, has been overwhelming. Click here to see a list of everyone who has contributed in George's memory.
To contribute yourself, make a check payable to the George Rich Student Philanthropy Award, The College at Brockport, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, N.Y. 14420. You may also make a gift online. Please put a notation in the 'Comment' box that this is for the George Rich Student Philanthropy Award.
