RICHARD WELLS

1942 - 2021

WELLS--Richard Jay. Richard (Dick) Jay Wells, a long time resident of Chappaqua, New York and Brant Lake, New York died on December 22, 2021 at the age of 79. Dick's intelligence, extensive knowledge, quick mind and humor were well-known by all those who knew him. Born to Viola "Dotty" and Jay Wells on February 7, 1942, in New York City, he resided with his family in Scarsdale, New York throughout his childhood. After graduating from Columbia College in 1963, Dick was accepted into the Peace Corps with only the second group of President Kennedy's volunteers. He was sent to Columbe, Ecuador, a remote mountain village with no running water or electricity, to help the community build a school. Dick earned one of the highest government rating levels for his Spanish language fluency. Dick's interest in helping others extended to his years at Harvard Law School where he volunteered with Legal Aid. Upon graduation in 1968 he practiced law in New York City. Later, his political interests led him to join the successful campaign of Harrison Jay Goldin for NYC Comptroller, becoming Goldin's lead executive advisor throughout the 1970's. Dick later studied at the Harvard School of Public Health and enjoyed a career as an EMT and Paramedic working throughout New York City and Westchester. Dedicated to his family, Dick spent time with his wife and children skiing, camping, hiking and playing tennis. He loved reading books in diverse fields, classical music, the New York Giants, and outdoor activities such as white water rafting, often serving as leader for family and friends who joined his adventures. Dick is survived by his wife, Janet, of Chappaqua, NY, two children Laura of NYC and Ben (Marcia) and two grandchildren, Riley and Allison, of Bristol, Vermont, two sisters, Katherine Wells and Elizabeth (Allen) Elkin of NYC and nieces and nephews Josh, Katy (Nico) Luca, and Jocelyn, and numerous cousins around the world. In the spirit of medicine and helping others, his wish was to donate his body to the Einstein College of Medicine. A service will be held at a date to be determined.