Paul Rickard
Paul was born in Bushwick, Brooklyn on September 22, 1944. His impact was felt over five decades, as a father, teacher, coach and mentor. During his 50 year teaching and coaching career, he taught Mathematics at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, NY, Pine Bush High School in Pine Bush, NY and SUNY Orange in Middleton, NY. Eventually working his way to becoming Chairman of the Mathematics and Computer Science department in _______. As a coach, he lead St. Mary’s to a Long Island ________ and SUNY Orange to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Championship Tournament in 2006. He died on Thursday, March 30, at New York University Hospital.
Personal Life
Born September 22, 1944, in Bushwick, New York, to Walter, Sr. & Marie Rickard. Paul was one of six children. As a young boy, Paul dreamed of playing basketball at St. John’s University. During his childhood, he would be constantly playing the sport of the season with his brothers and working at King Kullen. He attended at Bishop Loughlin High School from 1958-1962.
Paul married his Wife Maureen on September 3, 1966 in ________. Paul & Maureen remained married for 50+ year’s until Paul’s death. Their marriage was highlighted be seven children and thirteen grandchildren.
A resident of the Minisink Valley Central School District for 31 years, Paul was a current member of the Board of Education.
Paul was an active, faith-filled member of the parish community at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Otisville, where he had served on the Parish Council.
When he was not teaching or coaching, he enjoyed attending his children’s basketball games and loved supporting his grandchildren in their various sporting activities. He spent much of his time in semi-retirement traveling the north east following his sons’ basketball careers.
He was firm believer in the American dream.
Early Career
Teaching Career
A graduate of St. John’s University, NY, Paul held master’s degrees in mathematics and education. Paul’s greatest passions were education, teaching and coaching. He began his professional career by teaching mathematics and coaching at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset on Long Island, NY.
For 36 years he was a member of the faculty at SUNY Orange. In addition to teaching mathematics, he served as chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.
He also worked at Hempstead Lake State Park and Harriman State Park during the summers.
Coaching Career
Paul coached the men’s basketball team (25 years) and golf team (32 years), where he won several regional and conference championships. For his efforts he was inducted into the SUNY Orange Hall of Fame in 2015. One of his proudest moments was coaching his five sons at SUNY Orange.
Paul took great pride in competing, playing the game the right way, and respecting all parties involved. He especially enjoyed meeting with coaches and officials at Breyers Diner in Floral Park, NY and Colonial Diner in Middletown, NY. He was proud of the numerous CHSAA and Region XV Sportsmanship Awards his teams won.
Paul was a firm believer in the mission of SUNY Orange, and he valued the relationships he formed there over more than three decades. He felt so passionately about the quality of the educational experience that all seven of his children graduated from the SUNY Orange, and all went on to earn advanced degrees. Paul felt the opportunity to work at SUNY Orange was one of the many miracles in his life.