Richard Jerome Israel

The Honorable Richard Jerome Israel, 91, died on Monday, November 7, 2022, at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, MA.  Richard was born on December 9, 1930, in Slatersville, Rhode Island to Fred and Cecile (Kantrowitz) Israel.

Richard attended Classical High School in Providence, Rhode Island.  His academic achievements led to his admission to Brown University, where he earned a B.A in English Literature.  He then attended Yale Law School.  He spent the first several years of his career in partnership with his father, Fred, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.  Richard spent a life in public service, selflessly devoting himself to his clients, his constituents, his country, and his religious congregations.

He joined the Rhode Island Army National Guard in 1955, serving over 20 years and attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He left his law partnership in 1967 to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in Rhode Island and was twice honored to be elected to serve as the Attorney General of the State of Rhode Island.  In 1974, he returned to private practice.  In 1984, he was nominated to serve as an Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court.  He retired from the bench in 2000, serving in senior status until he stepped down from his judgeship.

He is survived by his wife Lana Israel (Goldberg), whom he married on November 20, 1977, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.  The extraordinary depth of their mutual love and devotion defined the remaining 45 years of Richard’s life and brought him infinite happiness.  They enjoyed opening their home to the large blended and extended families for holiday dinners and other celebrations.  The welcoming warmth of their home was felt by every guest and was a testament to their marriage.  But they were never happier than when they sat and read together, enjoyed fine art and literature, attended performing arts or had a quiet dinner in their beloved Great Barrington.

Richard is survived by his wife, Lana, his brother David Israel (Karen), his sister Judith Israel, his two daughters Susan Mollohan and Karen Mollohan (Brian), his five sons Eric Israel (Susan), Jonathan Biller (Victoria Rand-Biller), Kenneth Biller (Hope), Cameron Biller (Kara), and Michael Biller. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

SERVICE – A funeral service will be led by Rabbi Barbara Cohen on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA, 01230. Burial will immediately follow at Ahavath Sholom Cemetery on Blue Hill Road in Great Barrington, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The World Wildlife Fund.