Richard's obituary
Dick was a graduate of Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, with a BS degree and MBA in Marketing. He began his career with the U.S. Air Force and rose to second lieutenant before expanding Gotham Equipment Corporation, founded by his parents, Sol and Jeanette. Dick added a manufacturing facility in Hauppauge called CPE Industries. This supermarket equipment manufacturing and distribution center employed over 100 and Dick quickly became an industry thought leader and entrepreneur.
As founder and CEO of CPE Industries, he became President of the National Commercial Refrigeration Distributors Association and this began his journey to give back to the community. He decided to transition from business to education at the age of 45 and attended New York University to attain his Ph.D. After two years of full-time learning, Dick started as an Adjunct Faculty member at Dowling College, went on to Southampton College as Director of the Business Division and eventually became Dean at Quinnipiac University, School of Business. He fulfilled his career as a Full Professor at Long Island University and remains Professor Emeritus there. He wrote industry articles in publications that include New York Times, Newsday and USA Today. He also appeared with Barbara Walters on 20/20 on national TV and truly was an industry icon.
Dick had a very full life outside of work. He was a Little League coach for years, a synagogue president, community leader and family man. He was an avid sports fan and a true supporter of Indiana University athletics, especially basketball. He was known as an honest, hard-working executive, a true leader who had the highest standards of ethics and complete integrity. He was loved by his entire family and lived a very full 90 years. His accomplishments were many and his real love was his wife, children and grandchildren. Many friends from his most recent home at the Amsterdam in Port Washington to all of his friends from a lifetime were in attendance at the memorial service. He served as a role model for his entire family and will be missed by all!
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation are welcome to go to the link below or send to:
North Shore Synagogue
83 Muttontown Eastwoods Road
Syosset, NY 11791
516.921.2282 - Lifelong Learning Fund
Dick was a life learner and this organization was his wish to support.
https://nssyouth.wufoo.com/fo…
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Memories & condolences
Dick was my big brother at the ZBT fraternity at I.U. He and Joan were wonderful to me and I am sorry to hear of his pa…
Dick was my big brother at the ZBT fraternity at I.U. He and Joan were wonderful to me and I am sor…
Dick was my big brother at the ZBT fraternity at I.U. He and Joa…