September 28, 2021

Dear Partners,

Many of you have learned by now of the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague, Rich Froehlich, First Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the New York City Housing Development Corporation.

This is an incredible loss for us all and for the whole of our city. Rich was a tremendous leader in our field and a remarkable individual, whose kindness and open heart touched so many. His brilliance and creativity will have a lasting impact on every aspect of the affordable housing industry and New York City is truly a better place thanks to him.

Rich held numerous leadership positions over the course of nearly two decades at HDC. During this time, he helped us to solve some of our city’s most challenging problems. Most recently, Rich played an integral role in the design and implementation of the Mayor’s housing plan. Rich pushed at every turn to secure more of the resources we need to do this critically important work and demonstrated his commitment to advocacy in his role as President of the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies. Rich was also a deeply dedicated scholar, serving for many years as an adjunct professor at Columbia University where he spread his wealth of knowledge and passion for affordable housing and public finance to the next generation.

Rich helped build and shape every aspect of HDC and had a profound impact on the industry. We will miss him dearly. This Thursday, a funeral service is being held for family, close friends, and close colleagues to attend in person. A graveside service will follow on Long Island that same day for all who wish to attend. The shiva, which is also for all who wish to attend, will be held on Friday and Saturday in Manhattan. Details of the graveside service and shiva are included below. More details, including the exact location of the service at the cemetery and a possible virtual option, will soon be posted on HDC’s website.

We will also be in touch with plans for a memorial for the larger community to come together to mourn our collective loss and celebrate Rich’s incredible life.

Graveside Service: Thursday, September 30 2:15 PM, Wellwood Cemetery Farmingdale, NY

Shiva Service: Friday, October 1st (12pm – 5pm), Saturday, October 2nd (12pm – 5pm) Clement Clarke Moore Park 22 St. and 10 Ave. Manhattan

Sincerely,

Eric Enderlin

Vicki Been

Louise Carroll