William “Billy” E. Richter of Southold passed away Jan. 15, 2024. He was 66 years old.

A lifelong North Fork resident, Billy was born and raised in Greenport, N.Y., on May 14, 1957, the youngest of three boys born to Thelma and Ernest Richter. He graduated from Greenport High School and Ithaca College.

Billy met the love of his life, Kimberley, at the London International Air Show in Canada in 1988. They married in 1991 and spent over 32 blissful years raising a beautiful, close-knit, loving family, traveling the world, and enjoying life to the fullest.

Billy had a successful career that started with 20 years in the United States Navy where he was a fighter pilot who flew F-14s and attended the elite Top Gun Fighter Weapons School. He achieved the rank of Commander before his retirement. After leaving active duty, he spent 29 years as a commercial pilot for United Airlines. He retired as a Boeing 777 Captain, and inspired his son to follow in his footsteps.

A selfless, caring, hardworking family man, Billy strongly believed that “you gotta enjoy life,” and lived every day in pursuit of that. He was a fun-loving husband and dad, who enjoyed fishing, clamming, carpentry, helping others and playing with his beloved granddaughter.

Billy is survived by his loving wife, Kimberley; his two children, William Richter and Emma VanDyne (Eric); his granddaughter, Kyla; and his brothers, James Richter and Michael Richter (Kathy). He also leaves behind his beloved Australian shepherd, Chloe.

A Catholic Mass and burial were held at St. Agnes R.C. Church in Greenport Jan. 20, followed by a celebration of his life at Townsend Manor Inn. He was loved dearly by all who had the fortune to know him.

Donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Southold Fire Rescue.

This is a paid notice.