Roll Call Tribute

Richard E. Malitz 

January 12, 1949 - September 18, 2023 

Richard Edgar Malitz, 74, passed away in his home in Albuquerque in the presence of family members on September 18, 2023. He was born in Albuquerque, NM on January 12, 1949. An interment memorial service with full military honors will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery on October 17, 2023, at 11 a.m.

Richard Malitz retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Army. He spent the first ten+ years on active duty and the rest of his twenty years in the Army Reserves. During his service, he earned the following ribbons and medals: Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Parachute Badge, Ranger Tab, and Expert Badge-Pistol.

Richard was stationed at Fort Sherman in Panama during the late 1970s. While there, he was sent to Guyana to help with the Jonestown "Peoples Temple" cleanup and was in charge of the finances. He later returned to Panama in 1989 to assist in "Operation Just Cause," whose goal was to capture the de facto ruler of Panama, General Manuel Noriega. Richard always loved history, and it is clear here that he participated in his share of it. Above all, he was a patriot.

Richard earned a BS degree from Texas A&M University in Finance and a Master's Degree from the University of New Mexico, also in finance. After active duty while in the Army Reserves, Richard became a teacher. His first teaching position was with a private Christian Academy in Belen, New Mexico. He later taught history and math at Rio Grande High School, Hope Christian School-where he was selected as Teacher of the Year-and Cibola High School.

To stay in shape during many of the years he lived in Albuquerque, Richard did what he called rucking at least five days a week. Rucking involved walking two miles a day carrying an eighty-pound backpack filled with sand. He also liked to stay in shooting shape by participating in target shooting. He belonged to a local shooting range and went there often. In addition, Richard enjoyed exploring New Mexico's mountains, national parks, and monuments.

Richard is survived by one brother, Brian, two sisters-in-law, a niece, a nephew, and his dog Laddie. Richard loved his Scottie dogs, cigars, and history. Donations may be made in his name to the Texas Scottie Rescue Fund at www.texasscottierescue.com/donate. Under the Donations tab, you can find a donation link through PayPal. Donations can also be mailed to TSRF at the following address: 13359 N. Highway 183 #406-645, Austin, TX 78750. Whether the donation is on the website or by check, please add a notation that it is a contribution in memory of Richard Malitz.