Richard M. Meyers

Richard (Richie) Milton Meyers, age 86 of Sarasota, Florida and Saratoga Springs, NY died on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 in Sarasota, Florida. Born in Albany on July 4, 1935 to Frances and Bert Meyers. Richard was educated in the Albany Public School System, attended Syracuse University and graduated from the New York Law School.. He was proud to have only been associated with one law firm for one year prior to establishing his own law practice in 1960, now Meyers & Meyers LLP, a firm that his youngest son, David, is now the managing partner of.  Richard  was admitted to the New York Bar in 1959. He was also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, and U.S. Supreme Court. Richard served in the National Guard and he would tell you he faked an illness so he could leave to go into town, get the New York Times and find out that he passed the New York Bar Exam on his first attempt.

Richard served in the Albany County Legislature for 18 years and as majority leader for 15  of those  years. Richard always considered Mayor Erastus Corning his professional mentor. He also volunteered his time, talent and treasure to: Multiple Sclerosis Society, Albany County Cancer Society, St. Peter’s Hospital Board of Associates, Big Brothers of Albany County, Dominican Sisters of the Sick and Poor, Americanization Council, Albany College of Pharmacy, the College of St. Rose, Hyde Collection, New York Law School Alumni Association, Warrensburg Industrial Development Committee, St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church and Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany.

Richard and his family spent many wonderful years on his boat on Lake George. He was an avid golfer, proud to drive “Big Red” between his house and the golf course in Florida.  He loved a robust Cabernet (not Pinot!). He was an avid Syracuse fan, and he loved to read. Richard started planning the annual family vacation a day after returning from the current year’s vacation.  As a July 4th baby, he loved to say the fireworks were in his honor. As a young professional, Richard always carried his Dunhill pipe; the house smelling like the aromatic Dunhill tobacco. And he always enjoyed a good cigar on the deck, his last one in July with his grandson, Timothy. Richard loved to share that he and Jim Brown had work-study jobs together at a Syracuse University sorority house and they were fired for stealing food off the plates they were serving the women.  He also loved to tell Bob and his best friend, Kevin Higgins, that Kevin’s mom Pat used to cheat off him in Latin at school while Pat used to say that Richard cheated off of her.  Without a doubt, Richard’s greatest achievements are his children, raising them after his divorce and seeing them thrive as parents and professionals. His greatest bragging moments had to do with his children. He also loved his children’s friends, with stories often repeated and too numerous to share.

Richard  is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Kathleen Hogan Meyers. Devoted father of Nancy (Frederic) of Latham, Robert (Jillian) of Sydney, Australia and David (Allison) of Saratoga Springs. He was the proud and cherished "Babu" of Timothy Preston; Lauren, Alexandra ( Xani) and Gianni Meyers, and William, Isaac, Eliott and Avram Meyers. He also leaves a sister, Roslyn Kaplan, nephews, Stephen Kaplan and David Alfred and his family, his in-laws, Jack and Mary Hogan, and many great nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his adored Yorkipoo Spike. Richard was predeceased by his brother, Howard Meyers

Services at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Road Albany on Tuesday. October 19, 2021 at 12 noon. Interment will follow in the Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville, NY.

Those wishing to remember Richard in a special way may make a memorial donation to the Tree of Life Fund at Congregation Beth Emeth 100 Academy Road albany, NY 12208, bethemethalbany.org/payment.php 

Please note proof of vaccination and face covering protocol will be implemented upon arrival for the service at Congregation Beth Emeth. 

He always said he was going to “live to 108 and renegotiate”. Sadly, COVID did not allow him that luxury.  Three words that sum up his life: family, family and family.

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