Arthur Hilton Richter didn’t have acquaintances; he only had friends.

So said those who knew the affable, arts-loving, one-time vice president of promotional products supplier Alcraft following his passing on May 1 at the age of 83.

Arthur Hilton Richter

“He had such an incredible infectious energy,” said Lynne DuVivier, an independent distributor affiliated with Top 40 promo products distributor Geiger (asi/202900). “I knew him for more than 40 years. What made him so unique was that no one was ever a customer or a client; they were his friend. He was a true connector. He connected so many people in the industry.”

Richter had long since retired from Alcraft, which was years ago acquired by California-based supplier High Caliber Line (asi/43442).

His life both within the promo industry and beyond was rich and well-lived, friends and family said.

During his career, the Boston University graduate focused on importing/exporting, work that had him traveling extensively through Asia. After retiring early, he pursued his personal passions and spent time with his beloved family.

Those passions included working with the Human Rights Campaign to further LGBTQ activism on local and national levels. He also led classes covering theater, film, architecture and the arts. He and his husband, Peter Neivert, were known for hosting what an obituary described as fun, extravagant gatherings aboard their pontoon boat in Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island.

A devoted father and grandfather, Richter is survived by his sons Larry and Michael, along with grandchildren Maxwell, Tyler and Jake. He is survived by Neivert, his husband since 2005, and sister Barbara Richter-Bolan, among others.

“Arthur’s love for travel, the arts and the state of Rhode Island, combined with his personability, drive, love for others and overall joy for life, epitomize the fabulous way he hoped to live,” an obituary read. “He was insatiably curious about other people and was always a devoted friend, cheerleader and confidante, to literally hundreds of people.”

Those who wish to may donate to Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island or The Wilbury Theatre Group in Richter’s memory.

Services will be held at Temple Beth-El in Providence, RI, on Friday, May 13 at noon ET. “Please, no mourning attire,” an obituary said. “Dress as if you were attending a party at Arthur and Peter's home.”