Oxford Coach’s Memory Lives On Through Scholarship

OXFORD, CT — Donations are being collected through Nov. 4 for the Coach Allaire Legacy Scholarship, honoring the late Oxford teacher and coach Rich Allaire.

The drive began Oct. 12, which would have been Allaire’s 70th birthday, and continues through the first anniversary of his death Nov. 4, according to the fundraiser announcement supplied by his wife, Dawn Allaire.

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 Hays, established the scholarship to recognize two Oxford High School seniors, according to his obituary.

A committee of Oxford High School Assistant Principal Stephanie Sorak, wellness teacher Joe Stochmal and school resource officer Jose Taverner selects the recipients on behalf of Dawn Allaire and Kylie and Austin Hays, according to Dawn Allaire.

“Presented in Coach’s memory, the award honors two carefully chosen OHS seniors who reflect his heart and embody his commitment to uplifting others through grace, inclusion, and enduring Wolverine pride,” she wrote in an email to Patch.

The 2026 Coach Allaire Legacy Scholarship recipients were Tessa Hatch and CJ Krochko, she said.

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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.

How To Donate

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 Suttile, 1 Sarah Drive, Oxford, CT 06478, according to the corrected fundraiser flyer supplied by Dawn Allaire on Oct. 28.

“Every donation, large or small, makes a difference,” the announcement reads.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.