SEBASTIAN — Former Sebastian City Attorney Rich Stringer, who helped establish the annual Sebastian Clambake Festival died unexpectedly overnight at the age of 53.
According to posts on Facebook from family members, Stringer suffered a heart attack and died on his way to the hospital.
Stringer was the City’s first, and only, in-house attorney, according to City Clerk Sally Maio. He relocated from St. Cloud to work for the City of Sebastian from 1998 to 2008.
In 2008, the City Council voted 3-2 to fire Stringer without cause.
“Really, not a lot was said” when the vote came up, Maio said.
Maio recalled that Stringer was a “big Alabama fan” and had a creative mind – someone with whom you could have great conversations.
“I’m very, very sad,” Maio said of his passing. “He had a great heart. He really did.”
Councilman Jim Hill agreed. Hill served on Council from 2000 to 2004 with Stringer as the City’s attorney.
“Rich was a very good man and a very good attorney,” Hill said, adding that everything Stringer did came out of the love he had for the City.
“He left a legacy for the city,” Hill said, referring to Stringer’s tireless efforts to establish the Clambake Festival.
Among those who helped form and create the festival was Anjani Cirillo, who took to Facebook to express condolences.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden death of my friend Rich Stringer,” Cirillo wrote. “Rich was the founder of the Sebastian Clambake – he was one of the most talented and creative people I’ve ever met – and he had a huge heart…Rich we will miss you terribly!!!”
On the Clambake Foundation Facebook page, Cirillo wrote in part: “Rich was an amazingly talented and creative person and we will miss him terribly. Our love and prayers go out to his family and his many friends. Rest well, Rich, and keep singing for the angels.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made available.