10.21.23 – APFA LGA Base Brief – In Honor of Beloved Flight Attendant, Richard Nogalez

In Honor of Beloved Flight Attendant, Richard Nogalez

Saturday, October 21, 2023

On October 16, 2023, our beloved LGA-based Flight Attendant, Richard Nogalez, departed on his last flight to a more peaceful and eternal place.

Often, Richard would see me arrive at JFK for meetings. He would come into our office and use the same line that always worked, “I know you are busy, but I just want to tell you something quickly.” His visits were part of the program for two and a half years since I started my first term in office. He had nothing to talk about except concern for something or someone. He cared about everything happening and always asked me, “Can I help with anything?” but he always got me in the end as I needed to rush off to my meetings with, “Mijo, thank you for everything you do.”

Richard received universal affection and compassion from his colleagues, members of management, the facilities staff in the building, and anyone he met. Richard’s departure struck me with a moment of realization because, just two weeks prior, he asked me to honor his wish if something ever happened to him. I told him that he didn’t have to ask me for that because that was something he and I had in common, a uniqueness about what we consider privacy. So he winked, and I winked. By hearing him speak about them, Richard was very protective of his family. The New York APFA family stands in Solidarity with Richard’s Mother, sisters, Reyna, Lupe, and all who loved him throughout his life.

Richard’s family has set up a GoFundMe to receive any donations in his honor. If you want to donate, help the family memorialize Richard’s life. Any donation can help the family during this difficult time.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), extends our deepest condolences to Richard’s family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing such a remarkable human being with us.

Fly High Richard. We will forever keep your love, spirit, and memories in our hearts until we meet again.

In Solidarity,

Christian M. Santana
APFA LGA Base President
[email protected]

Nathanael Reynoso-Jiménez
APFA LGA Base Vice President
[email protected]

The Entire APFA Family