Cheltenham grad met two recently deceased mega-celebrities through his career in public relations

Ike Richman, a 1984 Cheltenham High School graduate and public relations specialist, had the opportunity to meet two household names who passed away this week.

Richman is the current owner of Ike Richman Communications and the former Vice President of Public Relations of Comcast-Spectacor, a position he held for 29 years. According to local historian Chuck Langerman, he was named in memory of his grandfather, Ike Richman, who was the original owner of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Richman is pictured with the late pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan (whose real name was Terry Bollea), who passed away on Thursday from cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida, ESPN reported. He was 71.

According to Richman, Hogan wrestled 55 times at the Philadelphia Spectrum, which is third all-time behind Bob Backlund (62 times) and Tony Garea (58 times).

WWE posted a note on X saying it was saddened to learn the WWE Hall of Famer has died.

“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” it said.

Hogan had been struggling with several health issues in recent years, including a lingering back injury from his wrestling days, ESPN said.

Richman is also pictured with Ozzy Osbourne (whose real name was John Michael Osbourne), lead singer of the pioneering band Black Sabbath, who died Tuesday, just weeks after his farewell show, the Associated Press reported. He was 76.

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time,” a family statement said.

Osbourne suffered from extensive health issues including a form of Parkinson’s and numerous surgeries on his spine, sources said.

Fun Fact: (The younger) Ike Richman’s uncle is David Richman, a 1967 graduate of Cheltenham High School, who wrote a 300-page personal memoir about how his father (the older Ike Richman) founded the Philadelphia 76ers, and moved former NBA superstar Wilt Chamberlain into their Elkins Park home during the 1965 NBA season.

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