I knew Richard (Ricky) since I began to work for Nathan in 1960. He was a wonder fun loving and happy young man and a great credit to his family rising to the heights he did. Janet and I express our deep sympathies on his passing. Martin Herring

I had the pleasure of working with Rick as a board member of Legal Services.  He was a good, caring, compassionate man who will be sorely missed.

Rick Teitelman's exceptionalism and the strength of his own determination empowered him to overcome disabilities that would have been obstacles to anyone else. He worked tirelessly in his efforts to provide equal justice under law to all people. Often he was the first at the office and was the last to leave in the evening. 

Rick Teitelman's legacy will be that he made a difference in peoples lives through his work as an attorney; as a leader and administrator; and as a judge. 

Even with all of the determination Rick had for his work, he always had time for people. He  enjoyed time with friends and associates as much as he enjoyed his work. He recruited much of the St. Louis Legal community as participants and contributors to the equal justice effort.

Rick had an encyclopedic knowledge of food, music, and movies. He also loved to travel. Those of us who knew him are left with fond memories of the time we spent supporting his efforts, and enjoying those times with him.

I was very blessed to have worked at the Missouri Court of Appeals while Judge Teitelman was there.  He would always come down the hall with donuts for everyone.  I will always remember how very kind and pleasant he was.  What a loss to the judicial community.  Rest in peace.

Justice Teitelman continues to be an inspiration as our conversation continues to unfold


Richard Teitelman was a dear friend and treasure for all Missourians. He was a giant oak standing tall in the judicial field.  All who came into contact with him could sense his devotion to the law and true compassion, especially for those less fortunate. There was hardly ever a budding legal project or charitable effort in which he wasn't intricately involved in an effort to make people's lives better. What a legacy he has left. Everyone in the legal and judicial community is indebted to him and his tireless efforts to make each system better.  He was an inspiration and a shining example of the heights that can be achieved and the good that can be accomplished despite disability. He was a true hero and a man who lived his life to improve the lives of others.RIP. Long time friend, Tom Hullverson

I will miss my friend and wish comfort to his family for their loss. Rick was a tireless advocate for justice and a great example for all of us, especially fellow lawyers and judges. We had many interesting times together as young lawyers and in recent years. His work will continue through his many influences and past accomplishments. May he rest in peace.

Rick always had time to take a phone call about a congregant or friend in need of legal services. He never forgot a name - always asking about my daughter who worked in another aid agency. He set a pattern on the bench that is unmatched. May he rest in peace. May we continue to learn the lessons that he taught us by the way he lived.

May you rest in peace, and your works for those we serve continue to live.

As sad as I am to have lost our friend Rick, I am even more grateful for the astounding contributions that he made during his lifetime.  Rick's commitment to making sure  everyone has a fair opportunity in our judicial system was almost beyond belief.  He worked every hour in every conceivable way to make our society more just.  And he did it in a way that endeared him even to his opponents or the people who lost cases before him.  He was an extraordinarily generous person in every respect.  He loved to laugh and he loved to eat and he loved people.  Two of his most effective characteristics were his work ethic and his brainpower.  He figured out a strategy for every situation and never stopped working to implement that strategy.  We will miss him in so many ways in the days ahead.  May we carry Rick and  his work toward a more just society in our heart and heads and legs and arms.  It is apt that he died on the day that folks were being arrested in the Fight for $15.  Before Rick had a job at Legal Aid his primary clients were people who were arrested for picketing the grocery stores so that customers would not buy non union grapes or lettuce.  In those days he took the bus to court.

A kind and generous man who cared greatly for all the citizens of Missouri. He will be missed by so, so many and our state is just a bit darker now that his generous and kind light has stopped shinning.

Rick was one of my best friends back when we both worked at Legal Services in the late 1970s.  He became a great judge on the Court and had a compassion for people.  I live in North Carolina and cannot make it to the service but wish now to express to all of you my sadness about his passing.  He gave hope to others and I will remember him for his many good aspects.

May the memory of this courageous, generous and compassionate man inspire us all to follow his path of  helping the most vulnerable in this difficult time.  I was privileged to know him.  Sally Barker

OBITUARY

The Honorable Richard B. Teitelman

September 25, 1947 – November 29, 2016

Berger Memorial Chapel

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