RICHARD H. LOW

LOW--Richard H. Richard H. Low, 87, died at his home on September 15 after a long and debilitating illness. He lived in Manhattan and for many years had summer homes in Fair Harbor and Saltaire, Fire Island. He is survived by his companion of 45 years, Barbara Bonn; his best beloved daughter, Jennifer Low, PhD; her husband, Mark Scroggins, PhD; their daughters, Philippa and Daphne, and his former wife, Stephanie Taubman Low. A graduate of the University of Michigan, University of California at Berkeley and Columbia University Law School, he was a pioneer in the television industry, helping to shape the Golden Age of Television at CBS News and as Executive Vice President and Director of Broadcast Programming and Planning at the Young & Rubicam advertising agency. After retirement, he was licensed to teach history to at-risk students in the New York City high schools, and continued a lifetime of learning, taking graduate seminars in art, literature and philosophy at Columbia. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. He was the son of Regina and Irving Low, immigrants who raised their family "over the store" in West New York, N.J. Proud of this heritage, he served as a founding trustee of the American Museum of Immigration at the Statue of Liberty, which celebrated the contributions of newcomers from all nations. He was also a Life Trustee of The Town Hall, a board member of the Air and Space Bicentennial and a member of the Advisory Committee for the League of Women Voters' Presidential Debates. He was an active participant in the battles for civil rights and gender equality. He will be remembered for his absolute integrity, formidable intelligence, generosity, profound love of art and music, and his passion for justice. A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, September 21, 11:15am, at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 76th St. and Amsterdam Avenue, followed by burial at Westchester Hills Cemetery. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the VNSNY Hospice and Palliative Care Program or any organization that promotes education for immigrants to the U.S. The family wishes to thank his team of dedicated caregivers, who improved his quality of life immeasurably over the past seven years: Evelyn Chevalier, Yvonne Dacosta, Jennifer Hylton, Blossom Mitchell, Rose Paul and Sybil Scott.