Richard Downing Lane passed away in his home on April 16, after suffering several strokes. He was a resident of Greenwich for 52 years, residing in Old Greenwich for the past 46 years.
Dick was born on Oct. 16, 1937 in New York City to Cedric Raymond Lane and Alice Lay Lane. He was raised in Manhasset, Long Island, N.Y., and went on to earn a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the School of Architecture at University of Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a 2nd lieutenant.
Upon completion of his education and military service, he worked for small architectural firms until 1967, when he was asked to join a commercial interior design firm. He worked for small and large companies in that field for the next 37 years. He retired from Deloitte and Touche in 2004.
His contributions to the community he loved reflect his interests in architecture, conservation, sailing and art. His positions include co-chairman of the Greenwich Architectural Review Committee, board member of the Greenwich Land Trust, as well board member of the Friends of Greenwich Point, member of the Art Society of Old Greenwich and Old Greenwich Yacht Club, commodore of Rocky Point Club and member of the Old Greenwich Yacht Club.
Dick is survived by his wife, Vera; his children, Laura (Mickie) and Richard; his granddaughter, Adeline, daughter of Richard and Jennifer Bencivengo; his brother John; his sister, Laura; nine nieces and nephews and six cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Alice and Cedric, his brother Thomas, and his nephew Charles.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Riverside Ave. Riverside, Conn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to River House Adult Day Center, 125 River Road Extension, Cos Cob, CT 06807.
