Richard A. Closs

Richard Anthony Closs passed away on May 19th 2020 under the embrace of his loving wife Donata and his two daughters Natalie & Emilia.

He is survived by two grandchildren, Hunter and Alexandra, who brought him great joy.

He was described by those who loved him as a great man. He valued integrity. He appreciated the beauty in life; great works of craftsmanship, the allure of architecture, and the love of art . He enjoyed working with his hands and spending time in his garden, where he applied his passion for food to grow vegetables to bring into his kitchen; a place not only in his home but in his heart, where he shared his love through his delicious culinary experiences. He took as much pride in his search for ingredients as he did in the creation of those ingredients into each masterpiece.

His love for food was synonymous for his love of life.

He was known to never pass up a turn on the dance floor. His strength and stature allowed him to scoop up any willing bystander the same way an unsuspecting sunbather may have gotten tossed into the pool on a summer day!

He knew life. He knew people. He was always known to lend a patient ear and an uninhibited perspective, that was garnered by experience and wisdom. He pledged his life’s work to the selflessness of the NYC reform system at Ryker’s Island. He is described, to have ‘embodied the very best qualities of NYC’s Boldest.” He died a rich man, rich in love, rich in family, rich in knowledge and value of the life he built himself.