Richard J. Woodward ’53

Dick’s long career with the DuPont Corp. was not without its lighter moments. Lightest of all was his sponsorship of the first human-powered flight across the English Channel in the Gossamer Albatross, a pedal-powered machine developed with extensive use of DuPont-branded plastic materials. The achievement won a congressional gold medal and dozens of other awards.

Dick had joined DuPont’s public-relations department after graduating and remained with the company, except for a two-year stint as a field artillery officer during the Korean War, until retirement.

He was born in New York City and came to Princeton from St. Paul’s School. Dick majored in English and wrote his thesis on Joseph Conrad. He was a member of Key and Seal.

Dick died Jan. 3, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, JoAnne Duffy; two children; and five grandchildren.