Stroudsburg High School and its surrounding community are reeling from the sudden passing of athletic director Sean Richmond. Richmond, 38 years old, was the foundation and heart of the athletic department. The Stroudsburg Area School District’s social media pages are flooded with messages about his dedication to the athletic programs, the community, the athletes, and the well-being of our students. The one repeated message that continually surfaces is that Richmond “believed in the kids, the program, and the community” and he served to make them the best in the county. The Mountie Nation is in shock from parents to booster club members, colleagues, and predominantly, his wrestling team. Condolences from his Easton alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh alumni, and Monroe County family, friends, and residents have been pouring into local media and district offices.
Richmond died unexpectedly on Saturday evening, May 11 as he was en route to attend and chaperone the SHS senior prom at Kalahari Resorts when the accident happened. An investigation continues in hopes of finding out how this tragedy occurred. One factor remains clear; it’s a devastating loss for all. In a matter of days, the shocking news spread throughout Pennsylvania and now throughout the nation as we collectively mourn for him and his family.
Richmond, a proud Red Rover, was a 2004 graduate of Easton Area High School where he left a legacy as a champion wrestler. He then graduated from the University of Pittsburgh but not before leaving another impressive wrestling footprint. Richmond quickly stepped up to serve as an assistant wrestling coach at his high school alma mater and later at Delaware Valley before coming to Stroudsburg.
Although Richmond had a chance to return to Easton as head coach, he turned down the offer to remain committed to building a winning Stroudsburg wrestling team- which he did. His loyalty and commitment, among other qualities, is why Sean Richmond will be missed by so many.
His love of the sport, mentoring of athletes, and commitment to the district and community were unmatched. He served an unprecedented dual role as wrestling coach and athletic director simultaneously, and he did so earnestly with his infamous quirky smile. In December, Coach Richmond celebrated his 100th win and just last month, he was honored by his team at the SHS wrestling banquet celebration.
In a short time, Sean Richmond wove himself deeply into the tapestry of this district making it stronger and more vibrant. It was just 2017 when he was hired as a history teacher, yet he quickly became an integral part of the Mountie Nation when he began coaching and mentoring students and athletes.
In 2018, he traded his classroom for an office when he took over as athletic director. Though, anyone who knew him would tell you, he could rarely be found there. Richmond was omnipresent–he had a remarkable talent for being everywhere he needed to be, but none more important than with his wife and children. His wife and daughters were often on the sidelines sporting Mountie pride.
Richmond’s legacy will continue through Krista, his wife of seven years, and his two daughters, Elenna and Capri. Richmond was a proud father and husband; he took great joy in being a family man.
Because of the overwhelming response, the Richmond family has planned a memorial for friends and the community for Friday evening from 5-8 pm and Saturday morning from 9-11:30 am in the Stroudsburg gymnasium. A private service for family members will be held separately.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Courtney Millen, a close friend of the Richmond family, donations can be made here: GoFundMe page to help support Krista and the children in this difficult transition.
