ADC Deeply Saddened by the Loss of Richard Shadyac

posted on: Sep 17, 2009

Today, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) mourns the loss of Richard Shadyac, who passed away last night.

Richard Shadyac was a founder, lifelong friend, supporter, and previous national board member of ADC who dedicated his life to helping others. He played an important role at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and spent thirteen years as the CEO of the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities – the fundraising arm of the St.Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Shadyac served as CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude from 1992 until his retirement in 1995.He had served on the ALSAC/St. Jude Board of Directors and Governors for nearly 30 years and as General Counsel before assuming the job of running the fundraising organization full time. He was also a close friend of Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude.

While serving as CEO, Shadyac was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for exceptional humanitarian efforts and outstanding contributions to the United States. Prior to taking the job as CEO, he was a trial lawyer for the Department of Justice and then an attorney in a successful private practice for over 40 years in the Washington, DC area.

Shadyac dedicated his life to finding cures for diseases and saving children, and his office was filled with photos of his many patients who survived, as well as those who did not.

All who have met him have been affected by his passion and his efforts to help the children and their families overcome many obstacles. In 2006, ADC awarded Shadyac the ADC Humanitarian Award for his passion and humanity. He was a key player in the founding of the Children’s Cancer Center in Beirut, Lebanon, the hospital, which serves children with cancer-related diseases throughout the Middle East. ADC recognized Shadyac’s efforts in helping the Arab-American community both at home and overseas.

ADC National Board Chairman Dr. Safa Rifka said, “Shadyac’s service to our community was characterized by tremendous foresight and wisdom, endless giving and exemplary courage”.

ADC President Mary Rose Oakar said, “Dick was a great advocate for the Arab-American people as a founder of ADC and a magnificent advocate for children who were critically ill. He followed the legacy of Danny Thomas and continued the important work at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. He will be greatly missed by all”.

ADC joins his family, friends and all who have been touched by Richard Shadyac, and mourns this great loss to the Arab-American community and to our nation.