Rector died Wednesday morning. He was 72 years old. Originally from Oklahoma, Rector eventually settled in Hudson after living in New York City.
The former mayor had a 35-year career in the fashion sector, and held multiple executive positions, including serving as corporate president of Calvin Klein, president of Isaac Mizrahi, senior vice president of merchandising for Bergdorf Goodman, vice president of merchandising for Neiman Marcus, and held various consulting positions for domestic and European companies. He was appointed to the Hudson Common Council in 2015 for the city’s 1st Ward, and elected to the position the same year. In 2017, Rector was elected mayor of Hudson, and became the city’s first openly gay mayor.
Hudson 5th Ward Councilmember Dominic Merante first learned of Rector’s death Wednesday night. “I was very sad to hear that he passed,” he said. “My first term was during Rick’s term as mayor.
He was such a delight, and not just to work with. I remember going to his office and talking about city business, and it turning to talking about life.” Rector was dedicated to other people, Merante added.
“I never met a person who was so committed and compassionate about others as he was,” he said. “He will be sorely missed.” Rector served one, two-year term as mayor and was followed by Mayor Kamal Johnson’s tenure in office.
“I wish his friends and family my condolences,” Johnson said. “Rick was mayor before my time. I got to work with .
