Richard Ottinger facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard Ottinger
Ottinger in 1979
Dean of the Pace University School of Law
In office 1994–1999
Preceded by	Barbara Black (acting)
Succeeded by	David Cohen
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York
In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1985
Preceded by	Ogden Reid
Succeeded by	Joseph DioGuardi
Constituency	24th district (1975–1983) 20th district (1983–1985)
In office January 3, 1965 – January 3, 1971
Preceded by	Robert Barry
Succeeded by	Peter Peyser
Constituency	25th district
Personal details
Born	Richard Lawrence Ottinger (1929-01-27)January 27, 1929 New York City, U.S.
Died	February 16, 2026(2026-02-16) (aged 97) Mamaroneck, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	June Ottinger
Relations	Albert Ottinger (uncle)
Children	4
Education	Cornell University (BA) Harvard University (LLB) Georgetown University
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Air Force
Service years	1955–1957
Rank	Captain

Richard Lawrence Ottinger (born January 27, 1929, died February 16, 2026) was an important American figure. He was a lawyer, a politician, and a teacher of law from New York. As a member of the Democratic Party, he worked in the United States House of Representatives for a total of eight terms. He served from 1965 to 1971 and again from 1975 to 1985.

Early Life and Education

Richard Ottinger was born in New York City on January 27, 1929. His mother, Louise, was a kind person who supported artists and charities. His father, Lawrence, was a successful businessman who started a company called U.S. Plywood. Richard's uncle, Albert Ottinger, was also a well-known politician. He served as the chief lawyer for New York State, called the Attorney General of New York, from 1925 to 1928.

Richard went to school in Scarsdale, New York. He then graduated from the Loomis School in 1946. He continued his studies at Cornell University, earning a degree in 1950. Later, he went to Harvard Law School and became a lawyer in 1953. He also learned about international law at Georgetown University.

Before his political career, Richard served in the United States Air Force. He was a pilot from 1955 to 1957. He left the Air Force with the rank of Captain. After his military service, he became a lawyer in New York. He focused on international and business law. He also worked for the Peace Corps from 1961 to 1964. There, he helped manage programs for countries on the west coast of South America.

A Career in Public Service

Richard Ottinger began his political journey in 1964. He was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the country. He was re-elected two more times, serving until 1971.

First Time in Congress

During his first election in 1964, some people criticized Richard Ottinger. He used a legal way to spend more of his own money on his campaign. Election rules had limits on how much a candidate could spend. To follow the rules, his family helped by setting up several groups. These groups then donated money to his campaign. This allowed him to spend more than the usual limit.

Running for Senate

In 1970, Richard Ottinger decided to run for a different office. He wanted to become a U.S. Senator for New York. This meant he had to leave his seat in the House of Representatives. In this election, there were three main candidates. Richard Ottinger and another candidate, Charles Goodell, both had similar ideas. This split the votes among people who agreed with them. Because of this, a third candidate, James L. Buckley, won the election.

Returning to the House

After his Senate campaign, Richard Ottinger tried to return to Congress in 1972. He ran for his old seat but lost a very close election. However, he succeeded in 1974, winning a seat in the House from a different area. He was re-elected four more times, serving until 1985.

During this time, he became known as an important lawmaker. In 1975, he started the Environmental Study Conference. This group brought together members from both major political parties. They worked together on issues related to the environment and energy. The group quickly grew to include over 150 members of Congress.

Teaching Environmental Law

After leaving Congress in 1985, Richard Ottinger began a new career. He became a professor at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. He was very passionate about protecting our planet. He started a special program there focused on environmental law. This program teaches students how laws can help protect nature. He also served as the head of the law school, called the dean, from 1994 to 1999. When he retired from this role, he was honored with the title of Dean Emeritus.

Later Years

Richard Ottinger lived a long and impactful life. He was hospitalized on January 30, 2026, for a serious medical condition that required surgery. He then received comfort care at his home in Mamaroneck, New York. He passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the age of 97.

Images for kids

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  Richard Ottinger in the Congressional Pictorial Directory, 1969

See also

• List of Jewish members of the United States Congress