Sean Molloy Death: This past weekend, Redlands East Valley High School lost one of its brightest lights—Mr. Sean Molloy. The news of his passing has sent waves of grief and disbelief through the halls of REVHS and the greater Redlands community. A beloved English teacher, Academic Decathlon coach, mentor, and friend, Sean was the kind of educator whose impact rippled far beyond the classroom walls. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his wisdom, kindness, compassion, and unwavering belief in his students.
Sean Molloy was not just a teacher—he was what a teacher should be. He saw his students not just as learners, but as individuals with stories, struggles, dreams, and untapped potential. He listened deeply, encouraged passionately, and challenged thoughtfully. In a world where young people are so often overlooked or underestimated, Sean stood as a constant reminder that they were seen, heard, and capable of greatness.
He knew his students better than they sometimes knew themselves. He recognized the quiet kid who needed encouragement, the class clown hiding pain behind laughter, the overachiever silently struggling with anxiety. Sean had a way of reaching them all—meeting each student exactly where they were, and helping them find a path forward. Whether it was staying after class to talk, lending a book that might resonate with a student, or offering a pep talk before a big test or competition, he was always there—showing up, checking in, and giving his all.
Sean Molloy Obituary: Redlands East Valley High School Teacher Reportedly Passed Away
Sean wasn’t just an educator. He was a guide through some of life’s darkest moments. Many students shared how he helped them through deeply personal battles—struggles with mental health, family issues, identity, and self-worth. In his classroom, students found safety and hope. He gave them space to be themselves, and through his genuine care, he reminded them they were never alone. He was a light when so many needed it most.
His classroom was a place of transformation. It was where words came alive, where minds expanded, and where dreams took root. As an English teacher, Sean didn’t just teach literature—he used stories to teach about life, empathy, resilience, and the human experience. His passion for language, thought, and creativity made every lesson meaningful. And as the coach of the Academic Decathlon team, he pushed his students to rise to new heights, building their confidence, their intellect, and their sense of purpose.
But Sean’s impact extended well beyond his job title. He was also an alumnus of REVHS, having grown up in Redlands himself. Walking the same halls he once did as a student, Sean carried a deep love and pride for his school and his community. That connection made him relatable in a way few teachers could be. He understood where his students came from—because he came from the same place. And in giving back to the very school that shaped him, he became a true hometown hero.
This weekend, the depth of that impact was on full display as students, teachers, families, and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil in front of REVHS to honor Mr. Molloy’s life. It was a beautiful, heartfelt tribute—organized by the students he loved so dearly, and attended by an overwhelming number of people whose lives he had touched. Tears were shed, stories were shared, hugs were exchanged. And through the flickering candlelight, a community came together to mourn, to celebrate, and to remember.
One parent shared that her daughter, who had been deeply affected by Mr. Molloy, is beyond heartbroken. She is not alone. So many students, past and present, are grieving the loss of the man who believed in them, who helped them through tough times, and who made them feel truly seen. The hole he has left at Redlands East Valley is immeasurable, and the sorrow that fills it is a reflection of how deeply he was loved.
But even in our grief, we know that Sean Molloy’s legacy is far from gone. It lives on in every student he uplifted, every life he changed, every heart he touched. It lives in the pages of the books he taught, in the voices of the students he empowered, in the quiet confidence he helped so many discover within themselves. His legacy is in every young person who now believes they can succeed, who feels worthy, who dares to dream a little bigger—because Mr. Molloy told them they could.
To those who knew Sean—whether you were his student, colleague, friend, or family member—please continue to share your stories. Speak his name. Celebrate the moments you shared. Reflect on the lessons he taught you, inside and outside the classroom. These stories are more than memories; they are gifts. And right now, they are more important than ever. They will help us heal. They will help us hold on to the joy and meaning he brought into our lives.
To the students still at REVHS who are struggling with this loss: you are not alone. Lean on each other. Lean on your teachers, your counselors, your friends, and your families. Let yourself grieve. Let yourself feel it all—because that’s what Mr. Molloy would want. And in time, when you’re ready, take the things he taught you and carry them forward. Let his belief in you become your belief in yourself.
To Sean’s family: We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences. Your son, your brother, your loved one made this world a better place. He made thousands of lives better. His legacy is vast, and his love will continue to echo in this community for generations to come. Thank you for sharing him with us.
There are no perfect words to capture a life as meaningful and multifaceted as Sean Molloy’s. But if there’s one thing we can hold on to, it’s this: he made a difference. A real, lasting difference. And in doing so, he became a part of the hearts and histories of so many.
Rest in peace, Mr. Molloy. Thank you for everything. You were one of the greats, and you will never, ever be forgotten.