RICHARD DESCHERER

DeSCHERER--Richard K. (Dick), 79 of New York, New York passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on March 23, 2024. Dick was born to Mildred and Bernard DeScherer in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 7, 1944. Devoted husband to Jennie L. DeScherer for almost 57 years, father of Christopher K. DeScherer (Amanda A. Honeycutt) and Kate Anne DeScherer, and proud grandfather of five grandchildren who adore him: Emmett K. DeScherer, Serena H. DeScherer, George D. DeScherer, Emily G. DeSantis, and Madeline C. DeSantis. Dick was the eldest of three children, grew up in Englewood, NJ, and graduated from The Englewood School for Boys in 1962. While attending a fraternity brother's wedding in Charleston, SC, he met the love of his life, Jennie (Levkoff). Jennie and Dick were married in 1967 and have been devoted partners in life ever since. Dick had a remarkable legal career, helping to guide the establishment and growth of Bloomberg L.P. and mentoring countless young lawyers in the process, while also donating his unyielding optimism and prolific talents to many civic and cultural causes. In addition to serving as personal lawyer to Michael Bloomberg for many years, including during his three terms as New York City mayor, Dick was a member of Bloomberg Inc.'s Board of Directors for the better part of four decades, through 2023. Dick joined Bloomberg L.P. in 2012 and served as Chief Legal & Compliance Officer for almost a decade before transitioning to another senior role in the legal department. Prior to that, Dick was a senior partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where he also served as co-chairman, for more than two decades. He holds a B.A from the University of Virginia (1966), a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center (1970), and an L.L.M in legal taxation from NYU Law School (1972). Dick was a committed supporter of the arts and worked to ensure equitable access to quality health care in New York City and beyond. He served on the board of the SLE Lupus Foundation, which ultimately helped to form the Lupus Research Alliance, chairing the board. His leadership of the Lupus Research Alliance was personal because Jennie was diagnosed with lupus soon after the two were married and they became deeply involved in supporting other people with lupus and investing in research to find a cure. Dick was also involved in many other arts and educational institutions, including serving on the board and executive committee of Lincoln Center, the board of directors for Baryshnikov Arts, and the board of the National Dance Institute as a former chairman and longtime board member. And due to his great affinity for his alma mater, Dick also served on the governing council of the Miller Center at the University of Virginia and the alumni council at the University of Virginia. He also enjoyed spending time with Jennie at their home in Snedens Landing, NY. Survivors also include a brother, Robert DeScherer (Nilufer Ozizmer), and beloved nephews. Dick had a sister, Cathy DeScherer, who predeceased him in 2023. Dick will be dearly missed by all.