Richard B. Covey

Richard Burton Covey, affectionately known as “Dick,” departed this world on March 29, 2024 at the age of 94, just shy of celebrating his 95th birthday. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 12, 1929, Dick's journey took him through Ridgewood, New Jersey, where he spent his formative years, to later settling as a longtime resident of Glen Rock and Spring Lake, New Jersey.

Dick graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1946 and subsequently from Harvard College in 1950. In service to his country, he honorably served in the United States Marine Corps as a Lieutenant from February 1951 to October 1952, stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. His thirst for knowledge then led him to Columbia Law School, where he obtained his law degree in 1955. Later that year, he married the love of his life, Jane Kerbeck, embarking on a lifelong partnership during which they raised two children together. 

Throughout his illustrious career as a Trust & Estates attorney, Dick made significant contributions to the legal community. He was a partner at Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP for nearly 35 years and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Miami. For more than 25 years, Dick acted as special tax counsel to the Trust Division of the American Bankers Association and served on the Board of Directors of Equitable Iowa Companies, which was acquired by ING Group in 2000. Additionally, he was a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and the originator, editor, and primary author of Practical Drafting, the basic periodical for new ideas in the estate planning field. He was also the author of two legal books and a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs and tax institutes on estate planning and trust and estate matters for over 50 years. Dick served not only as a lawyer but also as a trusted advisor and mentor to many. Even in his final days, he continued to share his wealth of knowledge, still publishing and enriching the legal landscape.

Despite his professional achievements, Dick found joy in simple pleasures. An avid sports enthusiast, he loved playing tennis and basketball (he was the captain at Ridgewood HS and played at Harvard) and could watch sports on TV for hours. However, in recent years, it was the hours spent daily reading newspapers on his front porch in Spring Lake that brought him great happiness.

Dick is survived by his adoring family who will miss him greatly, including his beloved daughter, Kim Covey (Michael Merchant) of Chappaqua, NY, daughter-in-law Jill Covey of Jackson, NJ, and grandchildren Jenna, Jeffrey, and Richard “Jake.” They will forever cherish the wisdom, warmth, and unwavering love he gave them. He is also mourned by the family dog, Loden, whose favorite spot was right by Dick's side. Though he may have departed this world, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him.