From 35,000 Feet to the Appalachian Trail (ePub)

Rich Malagrifa was born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts. He has one brother, Steven, who is one year younger. After graduating high school in 1980, Rich attended St. Louis University and earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in three years. After college, Rich attended air force pilot training at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas. Following flight training, he was assigned to fly A-10 Warthogs at England AFB in Louisiana. His next assignment was as an instructor in Del Rio, Texas.

Rich left the air force in 1991 and was hired by a major airline. Rich was furloughed in 1993 and was among the first groups the airline has ever furloughed. He rejoined the air force for another three years as a T-38 instructor pilot at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. He attained the rank of major while serving in the ready reserve component of the air force reserves following his ten-plus years on active duty.

Following the three year furlough, Rich rejoined the airlines and is now currently a captain based in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 2010, Rich was elected as a selectman in Swampscott, Massachusetts, where he currently resides. He spent time as the chairman of the board of selectman, the highest elected position in town politics, for his last year of service. Rich served on many boards and committees during his tenure. He is still active in town politics.

Rich lives with his family in Swampscott, MA, and has a grown daughter that resides in Phoenix, AZ. He enjoys flying, weight lifting, old cars, snowmobiling, ballroom dancing, and an occasional hike or two. Rich has owned several old cars and airplanes in his life. He has competed in bodybuilding and powerlifting in his younger days.