Dr. Richard Joseph Gottfried, a 65-year-old male of Jewish ethnicity, tragically lost his life on October 27, 2018, during the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue. He was a well-respected dentist and a devoted member of the New Light Congregation. Gottfried and his wife, Dr. Margaret "Peg" Durachko, ran a dental practice together and were known for their volunteer work at the Catholic Charities Free Dental Clinic.
The shooter, Robert Bowers, was arrested at the
scene and later charged with 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of the free exercise of religion resulting in death. In August 2023, a federal jury recommended the death sentence for Bowers. The investigation revealed that Bowers had a history of making anti-Semitic comments online, and his actions were motivated by hatred towards Jewish people.
The tragic event not only took the lives of 11 innocent victims, including Gottfried, but also left a lasting impact on the Pittsburgh community and Jewish people across the country. The Justice Department and the FBI have been involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case, emphasizing the importance of combating hate-fueled violence.
Gottfried's legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew him and the continued efforts to promote love and kindness in response to hate. His dedication to his faith and community service is remembered by his family, friends, and the congregation he was a part of.
