Rich Rollins — a long-time Westport math teacher and swim coach — died Friday morning. The cause was an apparent heart attack.
Rich Rollins
Rich began his Westport teaching career at Long Lots Junior High School in 1967, and later taught at Bedford Middle School. He coached boys and girls swimming at Staples (not concurrently) over a 25-year span.
Generations of students knew him for his ever-present smile, true love of teaching (and the students he taught), and ability to make even tests fun.
After retiring in 2004, Rich divided his time between his homes in Englishtown, Nova Scotia and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He pursued his interests in Celtic music and culture of Cape Breton, southern Civil War history, and visiting as many minor league baseball stadiums as possible.
He leaves his girlfriend Penny Haisten Kavanaugh; a sister, 2 nieces, and thousands of former students and their families.
Following his wishes, there will be no services.