Richard Buckminster Fuller died on July 1, 1983, in Los Angeles, California. His death occurred 11 days before his 88th birthday. Leading up to his death, his wife was in a coma due to cancer in a Los Angeles hospital. He died of a heart attack while visiting her. This date marks the end of his life and work.

Richard Buckminster Fuller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on February 23, 1983, from President Ronald Reagan. This date marks the recognition of Fuller's lifetime achievements and contributions to architecture, design, and philosophy at the highest level of national honor.