RICHARD LOWE

1941 - 2024

LOWE--Richard B., III. Richard B. Lowe III., age 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 19, 2024 at his home in Sag Harbor, NY. He was born July 26, 1941, in New York City, the son of Richard B. Lowe Jr., a famed New York City Police Officer, and Bertha Estelle Lowe (Hughes). Richard is survived by his wife of 27 years, Jane Jacobs-Lowe, his twin brother Robert H. Lowe (Sandra), and three sisters, Valerie Levy, Pamela Davis, and Wilhelmina Tribble. He is also survived by 21 nieces and nephews, and 16 grandnieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his sister, Melba Valentine and his nephew, William (Billy) Davis. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin and St. John's Law School, Richard was hired by the legendary Manhattan District Attorney Frank S. Hogan. In that pre- eminent prosecution office, he honed his extraordinary litigation skills becoming renowned as a hard-hitting but consummately fair trial lawyer. Richard continued in the office under Robert M. Morgenthau, handling a number of renowned cases including the notorious Hotel Pierre robbery. Named as head of the Trial Division, he proved himself an equally effective and innovative administrator and became a mentor to numerous Assistant District Attorneys. He left the Office to become the Presidential Appointed/Senate Confirmed Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services in President Carter's Administration. Then, as Chief Counsel to the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, he participated in the development of significant legislation. He continued as Chief Counsel to the House Select Committee on Narcotics where he traveled the world seeking to work with other countries in dealing with mutual drug problems. Having served in two of the three branches of government, he returned to New York City to star in the third, as Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. He served with distinction in both the Criminal and Civil Terms, becoming one of the very few judges to be appointed to the Commercial Division. He crowned that distinguished judicial career becoming Chief Judge of the Appellate Term until he was compelled to retire in 2017 after the maximum number extensions permitted by law. Richard's professional achievements, his being a founding member of the influential Justice Task Force, and his many charitable activities, were regularly acknowledged by the numerous awards he received including the Frank Hogan award for Excellence in Government. In life he was an inspiration to so many, a loving husband, brother, and uncle, and a person who so many were proud to call a friend. In death, the spirit of his unbounded zest for life, and devotion to duty continues to live within those who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held on April 18, 2024 at 5:30pm at The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.