Richard Lewis passes away

NEW YORK – Richard Lewis of Richard Lewis Communications passed away Saturday morning at New York University Medical Center in New York City after a brief battle with a rare form of stomach cancer, the company said in a recent statement.

Lewis was diagnosed with the disease in January and fought the battle in private largely due to his desire to be remembered by how he lived as opposed to how he passed away.

Colleagues at his namesake’s business point out that he was never happier than when he was fishing or on a boat, as evidenced by the words in his self-authored obituary: “Boater and passionate striped bass fisherman in NYC’s East River and Long Island Sound. Holder of Florida Keys record for most sailfish caught (and released) in one day.”

“While everyone in the industry will deeply miss Richard,” explains Greg Tiberend, who is stepping up to the role of president and CEO at Richard Lewis Communications, “his wish was that the business continue as his legacy and that his friends, family and colleagues enjoy life as much as he did.”

Lewis’s wife, Janet, is planning a memorial service for June 8 at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. In honor of his wishes, donations can be made to Marble Collegiate Church in lieu of sending flowers. Donations may be made online at http://www.marblechurch.org/SupportMarble/MakeaGiftorPledge/tabid/185/Default.aspx, or mailed to:

Marble Collegiate Church
3 West 29th Street
New York, NY 10001
Attn: D. Trombetta

Lewis’s self-authored obituary: “Richard Scudder of Manhattan, on May 17, 2008. Formerly of Oyster Bay and Bayville. Beloved husband of Janet M. (Russo) Lewis and daddy to yorkie Jez. Also survived by brothers Ralph C. Lewis of Northport, NY and Sebsibe Mamo of N. Amityille; sister-in-law Cheryl and nephew Ralph S. and niece Elizabeth A., all of Northport; and brother-in-law Thomas Russo and nephew Michael and niece Melissa of Tucson, AZ; President & CEO of Richard Lewis Communications, Inc., 1972-78 and 1989-2008. Graduate of Oyster Bay High School (1964) and Colby College (1968). Adj. Associate Professor, St. John’s University, 1972-76. EVP Cove, Cooper, Lewis, Inc., NYC (1978-1989).Member of Marble Collegiate Church, NYC. Boater and passionate striped bass fisherman in NYC’s East River and Long Island Sound. Holder of Florida Keys record for most sailfish caught (and released) in one day. A Memorial service will be held at the Marble Collegiate Church, June 8, 2008 1:30 p.m. But for the Grace of God, I am what I am, and His Grace has not been in vain –I Corinthians 15:10.”

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