Obituary of Rebecca Richter

Rebecca Gold Richter, 94, passed away on October 29, 2008. Born in New York City on August 28, 1914, the daughter of the late Samuel and Sadie Gold, Rebecca lived most of her life in the capital district with her late husband of 64 years, Benjamin Richter. Rebecca, a noted area pianist and composer wrote music for the piano, cello and viola for over 70 years. She was a Distinguished member of the Monday Musical Club; her works were performed at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, Siena College and SUNY Albany, as well as at several synagogues in the northeast. Students of ballet danced to her "Kinderhook Sketches." She received numerous awards, including the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award. While in her eighties, Rebecca performed at the Executive Mansion on several occasions. She continued to entertain residents at the Beverwyck where she resided for eight years prior to entering the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. Rebecca is survived by her children, David and Elaine Richter and Dr. Jeffrey and Susan Richter; her grandchildren, Dr. Craig and Elizabeth Richter, Mark and Mary Richter, Matthew Richter, and Stephanie Richter, in addition to four great-grandchildren, Sarah, William, Lia and Maya. She was predeceased by a brother, William Gold and a sister, Gertrude Modell. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews. Rebecca's family appreciates the special care given to her by Dr. Bryan Bilfield, Dr. William Kowal, Dr. Jonathan DeSantis, Dr. Ahmad Sultan and the staff of St. Peter's Rehabilitation Center, Joan Merrill, St. Peter's Community Hospice and the wonderful nurses and aides at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel 649 Washington Avenue, Albany on Friday October 31, 2008 at 1:30pm In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, contributions may be made in Rebecca's memory to the Daughters of Sarah Foundation, 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, N.Y. 12203.