Paul M. Rich

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Paul M. Rich, friend to hundreds, teacher and mentor to dozens, and admired and respected by everyone who came in contact with him. Paul passed peacefully November 15th, 2024, at the age of 81. Born May 22, 1943 to father Bernard "Ben" Rich and mother Dorothy "Dottie" (Braff) Rich in Greenfield, MA. He joined an older sister, Roberta "Bobbi" (Rich) Chitoff, in rounding out the Rich family.

Paul attended Greenfield Public Schools and moved on to Windham College in Putney, VT, where he earned a BA in Economics and a Minor in American Government, before earning a teaching certificate at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He served a tour of service in Vietnam and moved home to teach at his Alma mater Greenfield High School, where he was a tenured teacher of U.S. History, Government, and Geography. He prided himself on his curriculum and innovative ideas.

After teaching, Paul attended the Hallmark Institute and went on to make "In Focus Photography", where he independently photographed many seminal figures while local and traveling abroad. In 2002 the Pushkin Gallery opened his "Brush with Fame" Exhibit. In 2021 he published a book of photography from his Exhibit, also named " Brush with Fame: Featuring Icons of the '70s, 80s & other eclectic images ". 

Being a proud lifelong Greenfield resident, he could be found shooting hoops, practicing his golf swing, grilling, listening to the radio, enjoying live music, dancing, or sunning in his front yard. Finding a home away from home, he loved spending time with family and friends in Florida for extended vacations. Paul was also a devout New England sports fan, and rarely missed a chance to watch a game with friends. Paul never met a stranger, only people he hadn't introduced himself to yet. He never shied away from the spotlight and was forever proud of the students he taught, photos he shot, and the opinions he shared. 

Besides many friends, Paul leaves behind 1 nephew Alan Chitoff, 2 nieces Amy Mersky and Audrey Garro, 1 grandniece Jillian Dora Mersky, and 1 grandnephew Jack Benrich Mersky. There are also several cousins in Greenfield, Florida and the surrounding area. A cenotaph has been placed at the Greenfield Jewish Cemetery to honor Paul and his Military Service. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Paul to the Greenfield Historical Society

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