Richard J. Lippes
March 18, 1944 – March 22, 2025
Richard James Lippes, 81, of Buffalo, New York, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025. Born in Buffalo on March 18, 1944, to Thomas and Ruth Lippes, Richard dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and community service.
Richard earned his B.A. in History from the University of Michigan in 1966 and his J.D., cum laude, from SUNY Buffalo Law School in 1969. He began his legal career clerking for the Fourth Circuit United States Court of Appeals. Richard went on to become a pioneer in environmental law, gaining national recognition for his role representing hundreds of families affected by the Love Canal toxic waste disaster—one of the most influential environmental cases in U.S. history.
Over a distinguished legal career spanning more than five decades, Richard handled landmark environmental and mass tort cases in more than 20 states. His work included litigation related to the Three Mile Island nuclear incident, the Times Beach disaster, and many others. He was also deeply involved in land-use litigation, historic preservation, and pro bono legal advocacy for civic and environmental causes.
Richard was a lifelong educator who served as an adjunct professor at SUNY Buffalo Law School, where he most recently taught courses such as Historic Preservation Law, helping students understand the legal and cultural importance of protecting historic sites and structures.
Equally devoted to his community, Richard held numerous leadership roles in civic and environmental organizations across Western New York and beyond. He served on numerous Boards of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society. He was a board member of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture and Culture and served as Chairman of the City of Buffalo’s Environmental Management Commission from 1987 to 1996 and Historic Preservation Board 2010 to 2018. He also served as general counsel for the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, and was a board member and general counsel of Roycroft Campus Corporation.
His commitment to preservation extended statewide through his decades-long service on the Boards of the New York State Preservation League. His tenure with the Sierra Club spanned over 50 years, where he served as Chair of both the Niagara Group and the Atlantic Chapter. He also served as New York State General Counsel for the Sierra Club.
Despite his national impact, Richard remained a humble and tireless advocate, often described as a ‘well-kept secret’ in the legal community. He left an enduring legacy through his dedication to preserving the character and history of Buffalo, including his instrumental role in saving treasured landmarks such as the Richardson Olmsted Complex. Richard was widely admired for his integrity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice, the environment, and historic preservation.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Sharon Lippes; his children, Amity (Ryan) Mann, Joshua (Amanda) Lippes, and Kevin Lippes; his brother, Gerald Lippes; and his treasured grandchildren, Ellyse, Hannah, and Ava. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, mentorship, and civic pride.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209. The service will be live-streamed at tbz.org.
Shiva will be observed on Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the residence of Amity Mann.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Preservation Buffalo Niagara.
Condolences may be shared at mesnekoff.com.