Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Former Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced flags on State buildings will be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, June 28 in honor of former Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch.

"Dick Ravitch was a formidable figure in New York's civic world and has left an enduring legacy on our State that will be deeply felt for generations," Governor Hochul said. "Whether guiding the MTA through a pivotal era or serving as Lieutenant Governor, he exemplified unwavering, astute leadership, embodying the true essence of a dedicated public servant. As Governor, I appreciated Dick's wisdom and thoughtful advice and join his wife Kathy, his loved ones, friends, and all New Yorkers who knew him in mourning his passing and remembering his tremendous achievements."

Richard Ravitch was an attorney, businessman, and public official, engaged in both private and public enterprise for more than fifty years. He began his career as a principal of the HRH Construction Corporation, where he supervised the development, financing, and construction of over 45,000 units of affordable housing in New York, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and other locations. In 1975, he was appointed chairman of the New York State Urban Development Corporation (UDC) by Governor Hugh Carey.

In 1979, he was appointed chairman and chief executive of the MTA, where he successfully revived the MTA's finances. Following his MTA service, Mr. Ravitch led the effort to recapitalize The Bowery Savings Bank, once the nation's largest mutual savings bank. He was later appointed co-chair of the Millennial Housing Commission to examine the federal government's role in meeting the nation's growing affordable housing challenges, and more recently, served as Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York.