Rich is a graduate of Fairfield University (B.S. Accounting, 1980) and Western New England School of Law (J.D. 1983). Rich began his career as a partner in the West Springfield Law Firm of Murray, Fitzgerald, Sabella, and Donahue and practiced at Ross and Ross, P.C. in Springfield, MA from 1991 - 2020. Rich was admitted to the Massachusetts and United States District Court in 1983 and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Hampden County Bar Association.

Rich currently serves as a Police Commissioner in the City of Westfield. He was formerly the Chairman of the West Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals, where he served from 1988 to 1995. Rich's other pro bono activities have included St. Mary's Church Parish Council, Amelia Park Children's Museum, and Board of Directors for the Westfield Youth Hockey Association. In addition, Rich and his wife Cathy started and continue to run a monthly Laundry Love Ministry in Westfield.  Laundry Love provides free washing and drying of clothes and bedding for all individuals and families in need.

A native of Hungry Hill, Rich has resided in Westfield since 1995. He is married to Catherine, his wife of 37 years. He has a daughter, Mary, and a son, Kevin.