Dr. Richard Joseph Gottfried, 65, was killed on October 27, 2018, during the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. A dentist by profession, he and his wife, Dr. Margaret Peg Durachko, ran a dental practice together and volunteered at the Catholic Charities Free Dental Clinic. Gottfried was a member of the New Light Congregation.

The shooter, Robert Bowers, was arrested at the scene and charged with numerous counts, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of the free exercise of religion resulting in death. Investigators reported Bowers had made anti-Semitic comments online and that his actions were motivated by hatred toward Jewish people. The attack killed 11 people and had a profound effect on the Pittsburgh community and Jewish communities nationwide.

Gottfried is remembered for his faith, his volunteer work and his service to patients and community. If anyone knew Dr.