Top Executive and Lacrosse Star, 4 Time National Champ Sean Michael Fox of Wickford, Dies at 59
Cranston-Murphy Funeral Home of Wickford
Top Executive and Lacrosse Star, 4 Time National Champ Sean Michael Fox of Wickford, Dies at 59
Sean Michael Fox, son of Robert Allen and Mary Ann (Moore) Fox, was born in Cortland, NY, on May 21, 1962. Over the course of 59 years, Sean enjoyed great success as an athlete, in business, and in life. He helped to earn four Division III College Lacrosse National Titles playing at Hobart College under Hall of Fame coach Dave Urick and later returned as a member of the Statesmen coaching staff to contribute to a fifth National Championship season. Dave Urick served as Sean’s greatest mentor; he took to heart Coach U’s charge: “All I ask is that you give back to the game that gave you so much.” Sean felt an obligation to spread his love for the game, whether that meant offering wisdom to the sport’s rising superstars or engaging with a young child picking up a stick for the first time.
Sean felt wonderfully blessed to have had the opportunity to build a livelihood with his true passion as the platform. To his core, he believed that lacrosse offered a vehicle toward a myriad of elements of success. Through his uncanny ability to nurture relationships and his devotion to helping others better themselves, Sean was able to turn this passion into his life’s work. He dedicated himself to spreading his love for the game across generations, upholding his commitment to helping provide others with access to the same vehicle that had awarded him so much opportunity throughout his own life. Most recently, he served as Senior Director, Lacrosse for 3Step Sports.
Sean exhibited extraordinary devotion to family and friends. He was a great leader of people, teacher of life, and served as an inspiration for many. He was the glue that connected so many people. Sean made clear the priorities in his life, invariably introducing himself as “Connor and Trevor’s Dad”. His family meant the world to him and included so many teammates, co-workers, and colleagues. The value of Sean’s unwavering allegiance to the people closest to him was made evident as his dearest friends rallied at warp speed to be with him on the final day of his life.
Sean’s love of sports transcended lacrosse. He met Kristin O’Brien, the love of his life, at Wrigley Field in 1993 where he offered her a handful of peanuts (and lovingly held her chewing gum behind his ear). It was the beginning of lifelong love and partnership that became, and still is, Team Fox.
Sean was an incredible and compassionate man and an upstanding gentleman. Through consistency in principle and behavior, he earned universal respect for his humble kindness and mentorship. Without fail, Sean made himself available to help guide others, offering his deep wisdom to coaches, parents, colleagues, and student-athletes. His mission was to generate within others a similar love and respect for the game of lacrosse that had been instilled in him - to which he credited many of his own great life experiences.
Sean was a certain kind of old-school pure with a great filter that allowed him to sort through the noise and focus on the things that truly mattered. His personal credo was 1. Work hard 2. Be honest 3. Protect your family and friends at all costs 4. Most importantly, have fun!
We are all better for having known Sean.
Sean was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Mary Ann; his sister, Mary Ellen; and his Mother-in-law, Joan (Erikson) O’Brien. He is survived by his wife, Kristin O’Brien Fox, and sons Connor and Trevor; brothers Tim (Cheryl) and Jon (Tina); Father-in-law, Robert O’Brien; Sisters-in-law Meg Holmgren (Jay) and Susan Weberg (Warren); and nieces and nephews J.J. and Kristina Holmgren, and Ryan Fox.
There will be a private burial at the family’s convenience.
A celebration of Sean’s life is being planned at the Hobart and William Smith Colleges campus for October 9-10. Hobart College always held a very special place in Sean's heart. Donations can be directed to the Sean M. Fox ‘84 Memorial Fund.
Sean was also an accomplished business leader.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTPrior to 3d, Sean was the Chief Executive Officer & President of Kidrobot, Inc., a premier creator, distributor and retailer of limited edition collectible art toys, apparel and accessories.
Previous to Kidrobot, Sean served as Vice President of North American Sales for Crocs, Inc. where he engineered the transformation of the business.
Before Crocs, Sean led Brine, Inc. as their CEO and President. During his seven-year run (1999 – 2006), he helped the company become one of the lacrosse industry’s dominant brands.