Richard "Rich" Polich

Richard Lawerence Polich -“Rich” was born on November 9th, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA and died on January 16th, 2025 in Santa Fe, NM. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jessie (Rafa) Polich and survived by his brother John (Deborah), sister Patricia Scieszinski (Robert), and sister Carolyn Watson (Steve). Rich was an uncle to Dan (Kim) Scieszinski, Mike(Sara) Scieszinski, Alan Scieszinski, Elizabeth (Marcus) Watson, and John “Miles” Watson. Rich’s journey in life took him many places, beginning with a move to Iowa from Pennsylvania before he started school. He grew up in the farming communities of Carney and Maxwell IA where he helped his dad with whatever tractor or car that needed fixing and chores his parents chose to occupy his time. Rich relished all fireworks, TV shows that focused on the unusual (The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock), and music (The Mothers of Invention, Steppenwolf). That love of music grew to over 3,000 CDs in his collection! Rich graduated from Dowling High School in Des Moines, IA, moved to Maryville, MO where he attended NW Missouri State, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa where he graduated with a degree in Sociology. A lover of education, he was in pursuit of an advanced degree when he was hired by Job Corps in Roswell, NM, where he grew to appreciate his adopted state. Rich continued with his education on and off throughout his life, eventually relocating to Santa Fe from Albuquerque to complete a Counseling degree. Rich worked in various roles throughout his life, from Social Services to car sales, to substitute teaching. The teaching roles were the most important to Rich, as he enjoyed relaying his love of chemistry and history to Middle School students. Rich’s story ended in Santa Fe and many thanks are owed to all who supported him during his time there. The Case Management staff at Christus St. Vincent’s, St. Elizabeth's Emergency Men’s Shelter, and Coming Home, all provided exceptional “above and beyond” care. Special thanks to his caregiver, Mira Elliot, who was with Rich during the last years of his life. Rich’s ashes will be interred at Rivera Funeral Home’s Rose Garden and services are yet to be determined.