Born and raised in the great City of Willowick with 5 brothers to hard working parents, Rich attended Willoughby Eastlake Schools. He then enrolled at Lakeland Community College. He has been married to his wife, Lynn, for 32 years. They met in second grade and were high school sweethearts. They raised their two children, Brian (22) and Lizzie (19) in Willowick, who both now attend the University of Mount Union.
Rich started Willowick Hearts and Hammers to help the senior citizens and any other member of the community in need.
He has served on the Willowick Planning Commission, Willowick Charter Review Committee, and was appointed as Willowick Ward 1 Councilman. He has served as Willowick Mayor for 6 years. Two tenets which drive Rich are service and his faith. To this end, he has volunteered at countless school functions, sporting events and church festivals. He is a lifelong parishioner of Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church.