The Archbishop Molloy H.S. community in Briarwood is mourning the loss of a beloved coach, mentor, friend, and colleague.
Richard “Richie” Rodgers, a 1965 graduate of the school and member of the Stanner Hall of Fame, died suddenly on Feb. 7. He served as an educator and coach at the school for 52 years.
Molloy held a day of mourning by closing school on Feb. 9. The school community gathered on Feb. 10 for a memorial Mass, during which students and faculty members paid tribute to the Stanner lifer.
“Richie’s larger-than-life personality and the genuine care with which he served at Molloy positively influenced thousands of lives,” said Darius Penikas, Molloy’s principal. “His legacy is an indelible part of the history of Molloy. He embodied the Catholic Marist mission for over 50 years, and his passing is a sudden and shocking loss for all of us as a community.
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“Richie was a master of using sports to engage students. This helped them increase their commitment not only to their sport but also to school, their faith, their family, and to fully developing their God-given talents to serve others and improve our world.”
After setting several shot-put records as a Molloy student-athlete, Rodgers attended St. John’s University, Jamaica, where he became co-captain of the track and field team in 1969. After graduating, he returned to his high school alma mater as a faculty member in 1974.
His many roles in Molloy’s athletic department included shot-put coach, assistant track and field coach, athletic director, and co-founder/coach of the first ice hockey team in Stanners history. He also taught physical education and served as the department’s chairperson.
“I have known Richie since he was my freshman year gym teacher in 1977,” said Molloy President Richard Karsten, ’81. “He was a man of deep faith who was wholly dedicated to Molloy’s students. Our students, faculty, and alumni have shared so many wonderful stories about him, illustrating how his impact was felt across generations.”
Some of Rodgers’ coaching accolades include guiding the Stanners to a varsity ‘B’ division ice hockey championship and earning CHSAA Brooklyn-Queens Field Coach of the Year honors in 1982. In addition to his physical education teaching, he will always be remembered as a favorite driver’s education teacher among the Stanners.
“Losing Richie was a shock,” said Mike McCleary, Molloy’s current athletic director and boys’ varsity basketball coach. “A tremendous loss for all of us in the Molloy community. I will always remember his booming voice, boundless energy, and willingness to do anything to help anyone.”
That booming voice came in handy during his famous games of “Rodge Ball” — dodgeball but with Rodgers’ unforgettable spirit infused throughout the sport. He was a man of strong Catholic faith who held a deep respect and reverence for the Marist Brothers. This faith helped inspire generations of Stanners, helping them to grow in mind, body, and spirit.
“Richie was the best mentor and friend I could have ever asked for,” said Stephanie Staiano, a member of Molloy’s physical education department and an assistant varsity baseball coach. “He made us laugh every day with his vibrant personality.
“We were lucky to have him and learn so much from him. He would light up any room he walked into. His students looked up to him and admired him, just like I did. He truly treated us all like family.”
In October 2025, Molloy surprised Rodgers with an 80-person celebration in Floral Park, Long Island, to commemorate his 52 years of service to the school. State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, himself a 1982 Molloy graduate, presented Rodgers with a special proclamation from the New York State Senate in recognition of his dedication to his career and students.
The impact Rodgers had on the Molloy community won’t soon be forgotten. That booming voice will keep on booming in the memories of Stanners past and present.