Richard Pecora

On September 18, 2024, Richard (Rick) F. Pecora, 80, passed away peacefully in Bradenton, Florida after a valiant fight with cancer. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late John J. Pecora and the late Madeline Pecora (nee Ebelein). Rick was married to his college sweetheart the late Anne Pecora (nee Kluge) for 41 years. Most recently he enjoyed life on Anna Maria Island, Florida, and in Baltimore with his partner Betty (Binky) Rogers. He is survived by his son, Andrew Pecora, daughter-in-law, Amy Pecora, and grandsons, Wesley & Leonardo Pecora. He is also survived by his brother, Robin Pecora and sister, Brigid Bertazon as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Baltimore and the state of Maryland were at the core of Rick's academic and professional career. After receiving his Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland College Park ('67) and spending some time in the Maryland National Guard ('67/'68) he earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore Law School ('70) and was admitted to the Maryland and Federal Bars in 1971. Starting in 1971 for over a 30 year span, Richard spent the majority of his professional life as a public servant. He served as Chief Attorney for the Legal Aid Bureau, from 1971 to 1982. Rick also served as District Trial Counsel and Deputy District Counsel of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, from 1982 to 1987. In 1987, he was appointed by and served under Maryland Governor Schaefer as the Assistant Secretary of Operations for the Maryland Department of the Environment and later as the Deputy Secretary for the Department of General Services, a position he held twice. Rick's many positions in Maryland government culminated with him being appointed by Maryland Governor Glendening as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment in 2002. After leaving public service, Rick continued to practice law. In 2008 he became President of Allied Contractors, Inc., a Baltimore construction company founded by his father. He was still President upon his passing.

Throughout Richard's private and professional life he was a steward of the environment and was especially proud of being involved in the fight to stop Interstate I-70 from being built through Leakin Park in Baltimore. Richard, also known as "Pop", was loved by many for his jovial personality and his ability to talk about many subjects with anyone. He loved traveling, politics, fishing, boating, sports cars, and Baltimore sports teams. He would often attend the Ravens games with his much loved family and was forever a Terps fan. Rick also loved music and the guitar, his high school band even opened for Ray Charles back in the day. Richard F. Pecora could definitely be called one of the most interesting men in the world. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Donations in Richard F. Pecora's name can be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation