Rich is originally from New York City where he worked for IBM for 30 years.  Along with his wife Josephine, Rich first came to Tucson on a business trip where the climate and community won them over, so it was decided that this was where they would move and retire.

Rich was finally able to transfer to Tucson 13 years ago and, while still working for IBM, became a part-time volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Three years ago Rich retired from IBM, and this enabled him to become a regular full-time volunteer.

Not only does Rich volunteer with Habitat for Humanity three days a week, he also volunteers his time and experience for several other Tucson organizations, such as Giving Tree and Primavera, to name a few!  Volunteering definitely appears to be a family hobby as his wife Josephine does volunteer work at TMC.

After working in an office for so many years, Rich found that volunteering on a build site was hard work. Rich first started hanging sheet rock, and soon realized that carrying plastic plumbing piping was far easier than carrying 4 x 8 sheets of sheetrock, so he transitioned to plumbing. On occasion you will find him framing and handling warranty work, but primarily you’ll find Rich doing the plumbing.  He recently plumbed his first house solo which was dedicated on October 7.

When Rich and Josephine are not volunteering their time, they enjoy traveling abroad.  The Marciaris like to travel to Europe at least once a year and have spent time enjoying the local scenery in Paris (Rich said Paris is their favorite city and have traveled to France over 6 times), Italy, Austria, England and Holland just to name a few of their favorite haunts.  They also enjoy spending time with both of their daughters in sunny California – one daughter is a Respiratory Therapist while the other daughter is a successful Attorney.

When asked why he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, his response was that it was very simple . . . he and his wife built their first vacation home together and he found he enjoyed construction.  Rich also liked having an opportunity to give back to the community – so Habitat for Humanity was a natural fit for him.

Why does he continue to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity?  Rich said when he attends the home dedications and sees the look on the homeowner’s face when they are given the keys to their new home, he sees not only the happiness on their face but what a life changing event this is for them and that makes volunteering for Habitat for Humanity a perfect personal choice.  Rich stated that “it’s not just the dedications and seeing how it changes lives, but the fun . . . the camaraderie . . . it’s just nice.”

Interviewed and Written by Volunteer Michelle Foight