Richard Lewis Sorin, known affectionately to his family and friends as "Pops," "GPops," or "King," 73, passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Gilbert, SC, on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Richard was born in Hillside, NJ, on June 26, 1950, to Albert and Yvonne Sorin.
Richard was an only child but filled his days with a passionate imagination and tireless work ethic as he learned about outdoor pursuits and physical strength culture. He became a champion weightlifter and discus thrower, which catapulted him to a scholarship on the University of South Carolina's track team. Richard then became a well-loved teacher at Dutch Fork Elementary before venturing into the business world with Sorinex Exercise Equipment, Inc. As he grew his business, his passion for weightlifting grew as well. He became not only a National Champion Powerlifter, but also regarded as having the strongest hands in the world and as the father of the modern Grip Sport movement. Sorinex grew over the next 44 years to be the world leader in custom weightlifting gear, known for its most innovative designs and Iron Game culture. Richard ran the business with his only son, Bert Sorin, and together with their team, changed the face of strength equipment within athletics and the military. In the last few years of Richard's life, Sorinex was awarded the largest contract in U.S. military history for weightlifting gear, Lexington’s Large Business of the Year, and he was personally inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.
Richard was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed few things more than hunting with his son, Bert, and his grandkids.
Richard is survived by his loving son, Bert Sorin; daughter-in-law, Lesley Sorin; and wonderful grandchildren, Ezra, Amaris, and Kodiak. Richard will be honored by friends and family at a private celebration of life ceremony.
Richard's love, guidance, and mentorship affected thousands of people across the world, as he invested time in their success and realized potential. We thank everyone who has reached out and shown enormous love to the Sorin family; it is extremely healing.
Richard Sorin was the definition of "Legendary." UVA UVAM VIVENDO VARIA FIT
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