Richard Speciale

Richard Speciale passed away at home on November 10, 2025, at the age of 80.
Richard was an accomplished global real estate advisor, a lifelong patron of the arts, and a dedicated family man. Richard, or "Rich" to family and friends, was born in Astoria, Queens to Santo and Geraldine Speciale (nee Sinicropi) and raised in Plainview, NY.
He graduated from Chaminade High School in 1963, from Georgetown University in 1967, and then earned an MBA from New York University. In 1970, he launched his career at Price Waterhouse while also serving in the U.S. Army reserves. In 1974, he went to J.P. Morgan where he worked for 25 years. There, he directed the financing, development, rehabilitation and management of real estate endeavors on six continents, including the financing and development of the firm's world headquarters at 60 Wall St.
Rich retired from J.P. Morgan in 1999 as a Managing Director responsible for the global real estate activities of the firm. He went on to serve as Managing Principal of Aequitas LLC, a boutique asset management, advisory and investment firm.
Richard's love of the arts led to his long-standing role as a Board member for the Alvin Ailey American dance Theater from 1984 through 2020. Rich was a passionate producer of Broadway shows and films, and he attended numerous theater readings and reviewed many projects to find works he believed in. Rich was a producing partner with Paul Chau, and together they were producers on the Broadway shows "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever" starring Harry Connick, Jr. and "Diana The Musical." On the film side, they produced "Life of an Actress: The Musical" and "All for One," which will premiere in 2026.
Remembered for his humility, intellect, love of travel and adventure, and devotion to family and friends, Rich is survived by his daughter Teresa Speciale (Mass Mbaye); step-mother, Sangium Speciale; sister Jarawan Khamhaeng (Patrick O'Sullivan); brother, John Speciale; and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the New York region and around the world. A gathering will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, with words of remembrance scheduled for 4:30 pm at: Paul Ippolito Berkeley memorial, 646 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. Memories or photos of Rich can be sent to RichRemembrances@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.