Richard Ottinger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Ottinger
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| Dean of Pace University School of Law | |
| In office 1994–1999 |
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| Preceded by | Barbara Black (acting) |
| Succeeded by | David S. Cohen |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York |
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| In office January 3, 1975 – January 3, 1985 |
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| 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 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Barry |
| Succeeded by | Peter Peyser |
| Constituency | 25th district |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Lawrence Ottinger
January 27, 1929 New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | June Ottinger |
| Relations | Albert Ottinger (uncle) |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Cornell University (BA) Harvard University (LLB) |
| Profession | Attorney, educator, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1955–1957 |
| Rank |  Captain |
Richard Lawrence Ottinger (born January 27, 1929) is an American retired lawyer, educator, and politician from New York. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the United States House of Representatives for eight terms. These terms were from 1965 to 1971 and again from 1975 to 1985.
Early Life and Education
Richard Lawrence Ottinger was born in New York City on January 27, 1929. His father, Lawrence Ottinger, founded a company called U.S. Plywood. Richard's uncle, Albert Ottinger, was the Attorney General of New York from 1925 to 1928.
Richard went to public schools in Scarsdale, New York. He then graduated from the Loomis School in Connecticut in 1946. He earned a bachelor's degree from Cornell University in 1950. Later, he graduated from Harvard Law School in 1953. He also studied international law at Georgetown University.
From 1955 to 1957, Richard served in the United States Air Force. He left the Air Force as a captain. After his military service, he became a lawyer in New York. He focused on international and corporate law.
Richard Ottinger was also one of the first people to work for the Peace Corps. From 1961 to 1964, he helped lead programs for the Peace Corps in South America.
Time in Congress
In 1964, Richard Ottinger was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat. He was re-elected two more times, serving until 1971.
In 1970, he decided to run for United States Senate in New York. He was defeated in a close three-way race.
After a break, Ottinger ran for his old House seat again in 1972 but did not win. However, in 1974, he was elected to the House from a different district. He was re-elected four more times, serving until 1985.
During his time in Congress, he became known as a strong legislator. In 1975, he helped create the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (ESC). This group brought together members of Congress from both parties to work on environmental issues. It grew to include over 150 members quickly.
Life After Politics
After leaving Congress in 1985, Richard Ottinger became a professor. He taught at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. He started an environmental law program there.
He also served as the dean of the law school from 1994 to 1999. Today, he is known as the Dean Emeritus, which means he holds an honorary title after his retirement.
See also
- List of Jewish members of the United States Congress
