According to sources in law enforcement, Roy T. Richter, a prominent attorney and former head of the NYPD union, was discovered deceased by suicide in his Westchester residence on Wednesday. Richter was widely respected in the legal community and his passing has come as a shock to many.
According to a post on his daughter’s Instagram Stories, Richter, who was 56 years old, is said to have passed away on Tuesday, coincidentally on the same day as his wife’s birthday.
According to his professional biography, Roy Richter spent 33 years in the NYPD, eventually retiring as a deputy chief in January 2020.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Richter had a successful 12-year career in law enforcement and was elected for three consecutive terms as the president of the NYPD Captains Endowment Association (CEA). The CEA represents a significant number of active and retired uniformed commanders, ranging from captains to deputy chiefs, with 780 active and 1,400 retired members.
According to the description, during his last day in office, he was able to secure a new contract agreement that included a 10% increase in member compensation.
According to The Post, Chris Monahan, the current President of the Captains Endowment Association, expressed his condolences over the loss of Past President Roy Richter, whom he described as one of the most exceptional labor leaders in New York City.
According to a law enforcement union official, Roy Richter was a well-respected professional who was held in high regard by all ranks of the NYPD and beyond.
The legacy of his union leadership will forever be remembered for the positive impact he had on the lives of countless police officers.
The loss of his presence will be deeply felt and he will always be remembered with great fondness.
During his tenure as CEA president, Richter held the position of chair for the Welfare Fund, responsible for providing medical benefits to 5,500 families. Additionally, he acted as a trustee for the $32 billion Police Pension Fund.
According to his LinkedIn profile, prior to joining the NYPD, he had a successful career as an attorney and was a partner at Bifulco & Richter since 2000, specializing in labor, tax, and estate planning.
According to the profile, he was also heading a consulting company that offered financial and legal guidance to its clients, as of January 2020.
In February 2022, the Manhattan Business Alliance appointed Richter to work alongside District Attorney Alvin Bragg on a task force aimed at addressing shoplifting and finding community-based solutions.
Less than two months before he passed away, he completed his three-year term on the board of directors for the Breezy Point Cooperative, Inc.
Richter obtained his Bachelor’s degree from St. Francis College located in Brooklyn, and later completed his education with a degree in law from Fordham University School of Law.
Last year, on Veterans Day, Roy Richter Jr. paid tribute to his father, Roy Richter Sr., a Navy veteran of World War II. He shared posts on social media that showed his father ringing the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange alongside Gen. Mark A. Milley and other active military members.
In the same month, Richter and his father received recognition on Twitter from former NYPD captain and current New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams praised Richter as a “good friend” and publicly acknowledged their bond on the social media platform.
Richter leaves behind three daughters, in addition to his father and wife, Maryann Bifulco.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, know that you are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or by visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and guidance.
