• Malcolm E. Nettingham...
    ...Scotch Plains community member
    ...SPHS graduate
    ...Tuskegee Airman

    ...father and grandfather and great-grandfather

    While Malcolm E. Nettingham may have been born in New York City, he moved at a young age to Scotch Plains.  He went through the Scotch Plains Public School system and graduated from Scotch Plains High School which was the original name of the building that now bears Mr. Nettingham's name.  After graduating, he went on to Jersey City Technical School to be trained as an electronic technician.  Those skills proved very useful after Mr. Nettingham was drafted into the armed forces where he completed basic training and qualified for the Army Air Corps Flight Radio Operator division. He served for two years as a group of African American soldiers known as Tuskegee Airmen who overcame discrimination and prejudice to become one of the most respected groups of soldiers in World War II. His service as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen was recognized by Congress who awarded the squad the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions. 

    After being honorably discharged, Mr. Nettingham returned to Scotch Plains. He worked in the electronics industry for over 30 years and was an active member of Metropolitan Baptist Church and a vital part of the Scotch Plains community. He started a family with Lorena Coles to whom he was married for 72 years.  Together they raised two children who both attended Scotch Plains - Fanwood Schools as have a number of his family members.  He was a Scotch Plains resident until his death in 2020 at the age of 101.