SCASD President Dies of Apparent Heart Attack

State College Area School Board President Rick Madore died this morning of an apparent heart attack, WJAC-TV is reporting.

Madore, 51, was swimming at the State College YMCA at about 5:30 a.m. when the attack occurred, according to WJAC-TV.

Madore, a 1976 graduate of the State College Area High School and dentist of more than 20 years, had held his seat as president since 2007. His children either graduated from or are still in the State College Area School District.

The school district recently posted the following statement on its Web site:

‘It is with great shock and sorrow that State College Area School District learned of the passing of Board President Dr. Rick Madore. It is devastating news and a tremendous loss to the State College community. Dr. Madore was elected to the State College Area School Board in 2007 and has served as president since taking office.

He was a lifelong resident of State College and a 1976 State High graduate. He was a loving husband and the father of three children, the oldest two are both State High graduates, and his son is currently a sophomore at State College Area high school.

The State College Area School District, on behalf of the Board of School Directors, students, faculty, staff and administration send their deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Rick Madore. He was truly committed to education and to all the students of the district, and he will be greatly missed.’