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Obituary For Mr. Isadore Rich
Mr. Isadore Rich, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed away September 13, 2025. Alpha Rites will be held Friday, September 19, 2025 at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home from 6:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, from Ross-Clayton Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in Eastwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Isadore Alexander Rich was born on November 22, 1943 in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Savage and Lydia L. Rich. He was the third child of five children including Wilbur C. Rich, Patricia Bell Rich, Carolyn Walker, and Harold Rich. He was loved and cherished by his siblings, who affectionately called him “Bae Brother”. Through the influence of his mother, Lydia, he gave his life to Christ at an early age. He was a devoted member of the Good Shepard Episcopal Church in Montgomery, AL.
Isadore received his high school education from Booker T. Washington High School in Montgomery, AL in 1962. After high school graduation, he attended Alabama State University in Montgomery Al where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in English as well as his Masters in Counseling and Guidance. During his time at ASU, he was a proud member of the Alabama State Marching Hornets and led the band’s performance as a talented Drum Major. He also became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, an affiliation that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Isadore also pursued further studies in the School of Education at the University of Georgia, Athens GA.
Isadore had a passion for mentoring students and encouraging advancement and educational growth. He devoted his life to a career in academics working in different educational positions to include the following: Counselor Summer Program for College Bound Students for ASU, Counselor at Stillman College, in Tuscaloosa, AL, and an English Teacher at Oglethrope, GA. Isadore found his professional home at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, KY, where he worked as a Counselor/ Academic Advisor for over 42 years. While employed with Kentucky State, he was affiliated with and participated in several associations. He was a part of the National Association Advisor for Athletics (N4A), Southern Association of College Employees (ACE), Southern Association of College and Employees (SACE), National Association of College and Employees (NACE), and was a member of the local graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc (Frankfort, KY). He was actively involved with the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and the Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity.
Throughout his academic career, Isadore contributed his insight to the Education/Counseling field, through writing articles for various journals and publications that explored subjects pertaining to Athletic Advising and Academic Counseling.
Isadore was known for his dedication to his students and made a positive impact on the well-being of every athlete who played a KSU. His mentorship shaped many athletes who have graduated into successful and well accomplished alumni. During his tenure at the university, he was the voice of every half time show during the KSU games. He had the ability to ignite the crowd when the mighty Thorobred Marching Band would perform on the football field. He was also involved in coordinating Athletic Banquets and other Homecoming special events. After his retirement from the university, he was inducted in the Kentucky State University Athletics K Club Hall of Fame in 2021.
Isadore had a flawless talent in designing and decorating. Whether it was interior designing, fashion designing, wedding, and party planning, he was expert in bringing fun and creativity to life. Most of all, he adored spending time with his family during family celebrations and vacations.
Isadore departed life on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Baptist Hospital South in Montgomery Al. His memory will forever be cherished in the lives of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his two brothers Harold (Brenda) Rich, Wilbur (Jean) Rich; his two sisters Patricia Bell, Carolyn Walker; Family Member: Alpha Bell; Nephews: Myron (Cheryl) Bell, James (Marielle) Walker; Nieces: Wanda (Daryl Copeland), Latonya Rich, Dr. Alison Walker(Mike Conley), Adrien (Timothy Reidy), Rachel (Todd Reynold), Alexandria “Alex” (Emmett McDonald); Great nieces: Amanda Copeland, Sophia and Kalista Bell; Kailani, Nikolai, and Mikhial Reynolds; Timothy, Luke, Emma, and Michael Reidy; Miah, Symphony, Liliana “Lili”, Benjamin, and Zander McDonald; Cousins: Nelson (Dean) Malden, Rubye (Al) Nelson; Dear Friends: Walter Bush, Sr., Walter (Janeen) Bush, Jr., and Gwendolyn (Edward Todd); Former KSU Co-workers: Lillian Graham, Alice Watson, Ron Banks, Fulvia Longstreet; Former Student: Jamal Jackson; Classmate Mildred Hunter Davis; loving caregiver: Victoria Dowell, and a host of extended family, fraternity brothers, colleagues, former KYU students and friends who cherished him dearly.
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Adrien Reidy sent The Peace Lily for Mr. Isadore Rich - September 19, 2025
Adrien Reidy sent Precious Heart Bouquet for Mr. Isadore Rich - September 19, 2025
Carolyn Walker sent Mixed Spray for Mr. Isadore Rich - September 19, 2025
Chris Grant sent Sympathy Spray for Mr. Isadore Rich - September 18, 2025
Marielle Mariano planted 5 trees in memory of Mr. Isadore Rich . - September 18, 2025
Mr. Rich was a phenomenal human being. He was caring, passionate and the go to Man for anyone that sought his advice for any reason. Mr. Rich was my friend, mentor and a very important compass during my college days at Kentucky State University. My family and teammates often reminisce about Mr. Richs persona It always was about his professional mannerisms and fashion style which were both immaculate. Thousands of KSU athletes owe Mr. Isadore Rich a personal and private moment of gratitude. My moment for Mr. Rich helping me live a well lived life - I will think of Mr. Rich and his favourite Pink Pig meal.
I wish Peace with Love for Mr. Isadore Rich family and friends during this difficult period in time. - - Rod "Pub" Hill KSU
My sincere condolences to the Rich family on the passing of you brother and our dear Alpha Brother, Isadore. I pledged under Brother Rich, 1964. We remained contact until he retired from KSU. I understand he moved back home after retirement. I remember fondly the days at ASU. Isadore was very generous with all the A Phi A Brothers and a lot of us borrowed a tie or sports coat to wear to our student teaching location assigned. Booker T Washington HS / Carver HS or wherever we had to go. During the pledge season, he was one of the 'civil big brothers' to the pledgees. Isadore never had us do anything ridiculous, crazy, dangerous or harmful. Isadore was loved and respected by all the Frat. I loved his solo singing of the fraternity hymn chorus. You could feel it throughout your whole body. Brother Isadore was comical, funny, always uplifting and making people laugh and feel comfortable around him. I will always cherish his memory and remember him as one of my favorite "Big Brothers", during my pledging of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I also fondly remember Brother Isadore's siblings, especially Carolyn and Harold. May God continue to watch over you and bless you and keep you in His care. May He give you strength and guide you and ease the pain during this most difficult time. Peace of the Lord be always with you. Gerald D Chapman
Condolences to the family. Friend and Alpha brother(Fall'69) ASU
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Mr. Rich was an anointed messenger from God who nurtured me throughout my academic tenure at KSU. He is the reason why I did not leave the university. He made me a better person and a better student-athlete. May the Lord grant his family peace during this time of bereavement. Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter into your eternal resting place (in the arms of Jesus). I love you Mr. Rich!
Blessings, Rev. Dr. Timothy Vaughn, Jr.
Lightning a candle in memory of a giant from KSU that left footprints that no one else can successfully fill as he. The voice, the excitement generated at homecoming, the homecoming Coronation, football game announcer.... all done in exquisite rich style that only Mr. Rich could do. You left legacy and footprints on the campus of KSU. Thank you for your service and rest well. Violet Cox-Wingo KSU Class of 1978
Our sincere condolences to the Rich family, a family I grew up with in Montgomery. May you always feel the closeness of Isadore in your hearts and may memories of him comfort you today and in the days ahead! 🙏🏼🙏🏾
Mr. Isadore Rich, my friend and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brother, was an essential part of my development as a professional Black man.
I first met Mr. Rich in 1989 when he was helping students in the ASB Building navigate the financial aid process. From that day forward, he became my mentor and confidant during my college years, guiding me with wisdom and care. His mentorship helped mold me into the man I am today.
I thank God for the life of Mr. Rich — a true blessing and an enduring example of lifelong commitment to uplifting others.
Farewell, my friend, mentor, and Fraternity Brother. Your impact lives on in me and in so many others whose lives you touched.
On behalf of the Iota Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity on the campus of Kentucky State University, we extend our deepest sympathy and love as we remember our beloved brother in Kappa Kappa Psi. Bro. Rich's passion, service and dedication to be being the voice of the Mighty Marching Thorobreds. May his voice and the legacy he leaves comfort everyone grieving this loss. We stand together in sorrow and celebration, knowing our brother will forever march with us in spirit, and their cadence will always be felt in our band and hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, friends, and all members of Kappa Kappa Psi during this difficult time.
Brothers of Iota Mu
My prayers go out to his family. He was a joy to work with during my years at KSU.
Wow at Kentucky steak.Mister rich was a dedicated counselor would help in any way. He possibly could always held a smile on his face and loved everyone. He will be sorely missed.
To the family of Mr. Rich,I send my condolences and prayers during this difficult time. I pray that God comfort you today and the days ahead. Thank you Mr.Rich for your guidance during my time at Kentucky State University as a Student/Athlete on the Women's Basketball and Softball Teams. Your values helped shape me into the professional that I am today. Rest Peacefully! Much KSU Love...Leslie Gates Class of 95/96 Former Teacher in the Cleveland Municipal School District...Presently Employed By Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court...Detention Center.
To the family and all of us fortunate to be present and assisted by Mr Rich. A GIANT has transitioned and someone to me, is solely responsible for my successes through good and tough times while @ Kentucky State. I'm thankful to had spoken to you as I sensed your illness was there. But in that, your zest was there and even then your loving "can I help you" was heard. Mr Rich was a teacher to me of values and maintaining meaningful genuine relationships. Mr Rich wow; A job well done 👍 I celebrate you, I'll always hold you dear and I cherish our last phone call. I thank you and pray that the mentors in this country will be half the human you were and be such a gift to students as you were throughout your time @ KSU. I celebrate your earthly moments an time shared with us Mr Rich.
Sincerely
Terrence Hill Rehabilitation Specialist San Diego Unified School District
To: The family of Mr. Isadore Rich, I was sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Rich. I am grateful for the opportunities Mr. Rich provided me while I was a student at Krntucky State University. His encouragement and support played a significant role in my professional growth and success. May his memories give you strength during this difficult time. God Bless Mississippi State Representative- District 42, Carl L. Mickens- Macon, Mississippi- Class of "1978"
Hello Family and Friends,
Mr. Rich told me One day he and another guy was walking into the cafeteria at Kentucky State University. Mr. Rich said, that's "Eric York sitting over there." Mr. Rich told me the guy said, "WOW!, Eric looks bigger on the field." Mr. Rich said, "Eric have all of that big stuff on, big pads on." Mr. Rich said, "Him and the guy looked at each other and laughed."
My prayers and condolences to the family and friends.
Eric S. York Kentucky State University Athletic Hall of Fame 2019 Gadsden County Athletic Hall of Fame 2024
We extend out deepest condolences to the family on behalf of 3 of Mr Rich's KSU athletes 🕊️ Mr and Mrs Hassan and Tiffeny Saleem
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Mr Rich, was one of my biggest supporters! He is truly missed by me and many others that he encouraged and offered support to during his tenure at KSU! I never got to tell him how much of an impact he had on my self esteem and outlook on life!
Mr Rich, I know you will continue to watch over me.....🫶🏾
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
