Honorable Richard L. Buchter

Retired Justice of the New York State Supreme Court Richard Lance Buchter passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on December 11, 2025, at his home in Little Neck, New York. Judge Buchter was born in Brooklyn on February 5, 1948, and raised in Woodhaven, Queens.

He began his career as an elementary school teacher while attending law school in the evenings. After he was admitted to the Bar, Judge Buchter began serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens County in 1974. He served as principal law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Ann B. Dufficy, becoming a judge in 1987, at first of the NYC Civil Court and then as an Acting Justice of the Queens County Supreme Court. He was elected as a Supreme Court Justice in 1993 and retired from the bench in 2020.

Judge Buchter was a fixture in the Queens Criminal Justice community for over three decades. He presided over some of the county’s most notorious criminal cases and committed his career to public service. He was considered a master negotiator who treated all who entered his courtroom with grace and respect. His courtroom was a place where fairness reigned. Despite his career success and reputation for the relentless pursuit of justice, he was unassuming, humble, and salt of the earth.

Judge Buchter, or Richie as he was affectionately known, was wise and adventurous with a positive energy and a knack for making people feel comfortable. He was a supportive person and a great friend to many. Known for his infectious smile, he had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and believed in living every day to its fullest. He loved playing tennis, golf, and Scrabble, was a voracious reader, and excelled at crossword puzzles. He had an interest in history, art and culture. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and Giants and enjoyed classic country music. He had a deep appreciation for nature, wildlife, and walking his dogs in Alley Pond Park. Above all, he adored spending time with his family and being a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Judge Buchter is survived by his adoring wife Tina, to whom he was married for 54 years, his daughter Rachel and her husband Eric, his daughter Elissa, his son Scott, and his granddaughters Emily and Lenna.

A funeral service will be held at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels, located at 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY, 11375, on December 15, 2025, starting at 3:00 pm. Rabbi Laurie Gold to officiate.

The service will be available via live stream.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of choice are preferred.