Yes, we are in the throes of winter and its big chill. After some snow and rain, the sun came out today and made the cold sting just a little brighter.
With that first little bit of white stuff in a flurry around the Rumson-Fair Haven area, our minds might be transported in time to RFH days when there was a small group of enthusiasts that loved the snow and took to the slopes regularly — the now defunct RFH Ski Club.
RFH baseball season just wouldn’t be celebrated properly without a look back at a popular coach like Hal Lorme.
Continue reading Retro RFH Baseball Coaching MomentSlideshow photos by George Day and from RFH yearbooks, compiled by Elaine Van Develde
The news of former Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) coach, gym teacher, Ski Club director, RFH Athletic and Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame inductee Hal Lorme hit the community with a wave of sadness.
While Lorme died on Feb. 15 at his assisted living home in Myrtle Beach, SC, his obituary was only recently released by Thompson Memorial Home with the pending remembrance service for the coach originally slated for Thursday, but now scheduled for Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Thompson, with a prayer service at 4:30.
When longtime Fair Havenite, RFH grad and Rumson police officer Bryan Dougherty posted the news on the Fair Haven Facebook page on Tuesday, the post was flooded with warm memories shared of the coach.
“RIP Coach,” Dougherty said. “If I know you, you are surely looking for Yankees spring training game somewhere up there in heaven.”
“He was a great guy,” said RFH grad Doug Borden. “I went on lots of ski trips that he put together. RIP.”
“Ohh this is so sad to hear! What an icon he was at RFH,” Susan Kaltenborn Marino said.
“Thanks for all you did. RIP,” said Steve Howie.
“Loved his sense of humor. RIP coach,” said Jack Kavanagh.
And the list of accolades and love for the RFH icon goes on …
The following is Coach Lorme’s obituary from Thompson Memorial Home:
Harold A. Lorme “Hal”, 82, formerly of Oakhurst, passed away Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at Reflections Assisted Living in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Hal was born in Jersey City on Nov. 23,1932, a son of the late Harold and Margaret Lorme. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Patrick Murray.
Hal attended Snyder High School in Jersey City and went on to graduate from Montclair State College. Hal served in the U.S. Army in Korea, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was a Physical Education teacher at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School for 31 years.
He coached Varsity Wrestling for six years and Varsity Baseball at RFH for 25 years. Hal was extremely proud to have won 324 baseball games during his coaching career at RFH and to have the baseball field at RFH High School named in his honor.
He was inducted into the RFH Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 and inducted into the Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Hal enjoyed directing the RFH High School Ski Club for 12 seasons.
During the summers, he worked as a cashier at Monmouth Park Race Track in Oceanport, NJ. He was a communicant of St Andrew Roman Catholic Church in Myrtle Beach.
Hal was a die-hard NY Yankees fan, enjoyed many trips to the Bronx during the summer and trips to Florida during Spring Training. His passions were collecting baseball memorabilia including many Yankee items, officiating High School football games in the shore area, playing softball and enjoying a round of golf.
His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren especially watching them play sports.
Hal is survived by: his wife of 62 years, Joan Lorme; son, Hal J. Lorme and his wife Tracy, their children, Ryan, Meghan and Matthew, all of Long Branch; daughter, Jacquie Lorme and her son Raymond of Fargo, ND; sister, Doris Murray of Lincroft, and nieces, Lynn, Cathy, Cheryl, Colleen and nephew, Patrick.
A special thank you to Hal’s niece, Colleen and husband, David O’Hagen, who have been such a big help to Hal and Joan over the last few years.
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