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Richard B. Lowe III
Richard B. Lowe III died peacefully on February 19 at his home in Sag Harbor. He was 82.
He was born on 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).
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin and St. John’s Law School, Lowe was hired by the legendary Manhattan district attorney, Frank S. Hogan. In that preeminent prosecution office, he honed his litigation skills, becoming renowned as a hard-hitting but consummately fair trial lawyer.
Lowe 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.
Lowe’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, his family noted, 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.
He 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; 21 nieces and nephews; and 16 grandnieces and grandnephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Melba Valentine; and his nephew, William (Billy) Davis.
A celebration of life will be held on April 18 at 5:30 p.m. at The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive, New York, NY.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).
Staff Writer on Apr 1, 2024