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IndependentsApr 16, 2019
A.F. Greenwood President Richard Greenwood Dies
The industry veteran was described as a “giant of a man” and “the best friend a person could ask for.”
Richard Greenwood, second from right, died unexpectedly Saturday at the age of 70. Longtime friend and business partner Doug Parker, seen here at far left, said Greenwood was “the best friend a person could ask for.”
New York—Richard “Dick” Greenwood, president of gemstone and jewelry wholesaler A.F. Greenwood, died April 13. He was 70 years old.
Greenwood was an active member of the trade, being a founding member of the New York Jewelers Group 25 years ago. He was a past president of the organization, as well as past president of the American Gem Trade Association and the 24 Karat Club.
He also sat on the boards for the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and Jewelers Security Alliance, and was a a longtime board member and past chairman of the Jewelers Board of Trade.
The AGTA said in an email that Greenwood continued to serve the organization in an advisory capacity throughout his life and was “known as a wise counsel with a strong sense of fairness and a quick wit. His loss is profound to our community.”
AGTA CEO Doug Hucker told National Jeweler Monday that Greenwood’s booth at trade shows was always one that welcomed everyone.
“When you met him, you instantly felt like he was your friend.”
He added that Greenwood was one of the people he turned to for advice because he was an excellent listener, and good at taking all sides into account.
“He was always willing to help. He was one of those guys that if you needed him, he was there. He was genuine and told you exactly what he thought, but then he’d take you out for a drink. Losing him is like losing family.”
Longtime business partner and friend Doug Parker said Greenwood was “the best friend a person could ask for, and I’m sure anyone in the trade would say the same.”
He also noted something he thought said a lot about Greenwood: how long his staff has been around. Parker said the newest employee at A.F. Greenwood has been there for more than 18 years, with most of them staying for over 25.
“Not many can inspire that kind of loyalty.”
In an email about his passing, Patti Geolat, CEO of fine jewelry appraisal and brokerage firm Geolat Companies, referred to Greenwood as a “great friend, a loyal colleague, a loving husband and a giant of a man.”
Gemstone dealer and AGTA past president Jeff Bilgore said, “The industry lost a true treasure, a leader, a mentor to so many and a friend to all. In business Dick gave amazing value; in life he gave everyone
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he touched something much more precious. He will be missed. This industry is better for all he freely gave.”
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Trudi, and their children, Dan and Amy.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 18 at 12:00 p.m. at the Riverside Memorial Chapel at 21 Broad Street West in Mount Vernon, New York.
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