OXFORD, CT — On what would have been Rich Allaire's 70th birthday, a scholarship drive is asking the Oxford community to help carry on the late teacher and coach's work supporting young people.
The drive runs from Oct. 12 through Nov. 4, the first anniversary of his death, according to a fundraiser announcement shared with Patch. Donations will support the Coach Allaire Legacy Scholarship at Oxford High School.
The announcement invites family, friends, former players, students and colleagues to contribute in his memory.
"For those who knew him as Rich, Richie, or simply Coach, you know the impact he had on the lives of so many — especially the young people he encouraged, supported, and inspired," the announcement reads.
Allaire died Nov. 4, 2025, at 69. His wife, Dawn, and stepchildren, Kylie and Austin, established the scholarship to recognize two Oxford High School seniors, according to his obituary, published by Commerce Hill Dougiello Funeral Home.
The fundraiser announcement says the scholarship recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate kindness, compassion, inclusion, leadership and a commitment to helping others.
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Allaire began teaching mathematics at Norwalk High School in 1979. His lacrosse coaching career included four state championships at Fairfield High School and a fifth at Trumbull High School, according to his obituary. He was inducted into the Connecticut Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame in 2022.
After moving to Oxford in 2013, he joined Oxford Public Schools as a substitute teacher in 2014, working at the middle and high schools. He also founded Oxford's youth lacrosse program and helped coach the town's 12U Pop Warner football team to a Northern Connecticut championship in 2018, the obituary says.
Donations can be made through Venmo to @Bob-Sterclub or by check payable to OHSBC. Donors should write "Coach Allaire Legacy Scholarship" in the Venmo reason field or check memo, according to the fundraiser announcement.
Checks should be mailed to OHSBC, c/o Lisa Suttle, 1 Sarah Drive, Oxford, CT 06478, as listed on the announcement.
"Every donation, large or small, makes a difference," the announcement reads.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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