Richard Steere Aldrich Jr.

Richard (Dick) Steere Aldrich, Jr., 78, of New York, NY, passed away on February 17, 2026. Born on February 19, 1947, in New Haven, CT, Dick grew up between NYC and São Paulo, Brazil, before attending The Hill School in Pottstown, PA, followed by Brown University. After serving in the Army, Dick briefly taught at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA, before going on to Vanderbilt Law School. Specializing in corporate law, Dick spent 33 years at Shearman & Sterling, including stints in Athens, Hong Kong, and São Paulo. Fluent in Portuguese and integrated in Brazilian culture from childhood, Dick was a lifelong champion of both his home and adopted countries, an invaluable asset to both Shearman & Sterling and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP—the latter where he finished his illustrious career—as he established São Paulo offices for both firms. After “retiring,” Dick continued adjuncting at Vanderbilt Law School, served on the board for Cosan SA, and finally was the Executive Chairman for Private Export Funding Corporation (PEFCO).

While brilliant, Dick made it known that none of his career accomplishments would’ve been possible without his bride of 53 years, Isabel, by his side. No matter where in the world they were living, Isabel was Dick’s greatest comfort and joy. Isabel was home. Dick would also say the stalwart foundation he and Isabel built readied them for the treasured “tornadoes” that arrived 16 and 19 years into their marriage: Rick and Russell, respectively. There’s nothing in the world that brought Dick more fulfillment and purpose than his boys. Tireless work ethic was a virtue and major point of pride but, at the end of the day, Dick lived for Isabel, Rick, and Russell.

In all aspects of his life, Dick was generous, kind, and a true gentleman. He was active in the community and a charitable supporter for many organizations, most notably for The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, where he served on the board. He loved American history, his golden retrievers’ silly antics, and getting a coffee from Mohammed at 63rd and Lex. He loved mincemeat pie, anything Brazilian, and wearing the same sweater his mother hand-knitted every Christmas. He loved traveling to obscure countries, any excuse to put on a tux, and playing golf, even though he was bad, because it meant time with Rick and Russell. Most of all, he loved Isabel. “Until the twelfth of never, I'll still be loving you.”

He will be sorely missed.

Dick is the great-grandson of US Senator Nelson Wilmarth Aldrich and grandson of US Congressman Richard Steere Aldrich. He is survived by his wife, Isabel Potter Aldrich of New York, NY; children Richard Steere Aldrich IV (Bailey Powell Aldrich) of Fort Worth, TX, Russell Potter Aldrich (Lydia Dallas Aldrich) of New York, NY; siblings Frances Aldrich Llopis of Madrid, Spain, Abby Aldrich Gray (David Gray) of Baltimore, MD, William Stuart Aldrich (Polly Platts Aldrich) of Glen Ellyn, IL; and many beloved family members and friends.

The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis “In Memory of Richard ‘Dick’ Steere Aldrich, Jr.”

Vanderbilt University Law School “Remembering Dick Aldrich ‘75”