Rye Country Day School mourns the loss of beloved teacher, coach, and honorary alumnus Richard "Dick" S. Pike, whose forty years at the School left an indelible mark on students, alumni, families, and colleagues. Mr. Pike passed away on October 26 at the age of 79 surrounded by his family.

Excelling in academics, athletics, and the arts, Mr. Pike was well-known for his trifecta of strengths within the RCDS faculty, from 1971 until his retirement in 2011. He passionately taught three disciplines in the Upper School—English, Psychology, and Drama—and nurtured in his students a genuine love of learning and creative expression. His own creativity shone brightly in the RCDS theater, as he directed musicals, plays, and one-acts that captivated audiences and inspired three generations of young actors. As a coach, he diligently mentored the ice hockey, softball, and soccer teams, championing teamwork, resilience, character, and competitive spirit. He established the RCDS Girls’ Varsity Soccer program in 1983.

After his retirement in 2011, Mr. Pike regularly attended regional RCDS alumni events, and he was an enthusiastic fixture at reunions. He also served as a substitute teacher in the Upper School and as a permanent AP proctor until the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020. In 2018, his outstanding dedication to RCDS earned him a place as an honorary member of the Class of 2011 and an induction into the RCDS Hall of Fame.

Mr. Pike’s contributions to the RCDS community extended well beyond the classroom, stage, and athletic facilities. Confident in and energized by the limitless potential of others, Mr. Pike was a beacon of positivity and encouragement who was able to inspire anyone he met to reach new heights. He was able to forge deep connections with his students and colleagues through listening to them, reflecting back what he heard, and knowingly pointing them in the direction of their joy. He had a unique way of guiding individuals to their greatest potential, and his presence helped make RCDS the especially nurturing community it is today.

Humor and generosity of spirit were two other hallmarks of Mr. Pike’s personality. You could always count on him for compassion, help, or a witty joke–and sometimes, if the moment merited it, you could count on him for all three.

The legacy of Mr. Pike is deeply ingrained in the hearts of alumni, many of whom remember him as a pivotal figure in their lives. In February of 2024, alumni from various classes gathered to honor Mr. Pike and Coach Jim Mooney, reminiscing about their time under their guidance. The evening was filled with laughter and heartfelt memories.

As we remember Dick Pike, we celebrate a great educator, colleague, and friend. His personality was larger than life, his mentorship was unparalleled, and his impact will live on for generations to come. He will be greatly missed. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. 

Rye Country Day School and the Pike family will be holding an on-campus memorial service in the Spring of 2025. More information will be shared with the RCDS community soon.