Stephen Allan Rich

Stephen Allan Rich

1942-2026

Stephen passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday August 19th after courageously battling a series of health issues.

Stephen was genuinely curious and interested in learning more about a person with whom he was engaged in conversation. He was a wonderful listener and somehow always made you feel good about yourself and your circumstances. He was smart, witty, wise, thoughtful, and generous.

He was an incurable collector. While UNC and Coca-Cola memorabilia topped his list, other eclectic items like “taste de vin” from Paris, stamps, walking canes and cast-iron flowerpot door stops kept him searching.

Stephen actively supported the Chapel Hill Community serving on the boards of Hillel, Tau Epsilon Phi, NC Botanical Garden, Preservation Chapel Hill, the former Chapel Hill Museum, and the UNC Center for Public Service. He also started a fund for Jewish Studies at Wilson Library UNC-Chapel Hill.

Stephen took immense pride in his successful 30-year career at The Coca-Cola Company. After retiring at age 56 he and his wife Sandra spent their 63 years of married life enjoying travel, antiquing, being with friends, volunteering with the other “Coker-Nuts” at the Coker Arboretum and all things UNC, including adopting new students and their families a UNC-CH.

He leaves behind his wife Sandra, his son Shannon, his daughter-in-law Leslie (who he called his only daughter) and his two grandsons Marcus and Jasper who filled his life with immeasurable joy and pride. He also leaves behind his sister Judy Altman, sisters-in-laws Lynda Winchell (Charlie) and Nancy Isenberg (Joel), and brother-in-law Mark Danneman (Yvonne) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to grow the Coker Arboretum Endowment. Make a tribute to Stephen to support the Coker Arboretum (525233) ncbg.unc.edu/ or send by check to NCBG, CB#3375, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375