Richard L. Watts ’59

Dick died at home July 1, 2010, after a short bout with cancer. He was living in San Rafael, Calif., at the time.

Born in New York City, Dick grew up in New Jersey and attended Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, where he was honor society president and active in several sports. At Princeton he majored in chemical engineering, joined the American Institute 
of Chemical Engineers, worked on the Princeton Engineer, and served as editor of the ’56 Freshman Herald and Freshman Handbook. He joined Dial Lodge and was active in IAA sports.

Following graduation Dick received a ­master’s degree from Purdue and took a job with Standard Oil of California, with assignments in research, engineering, and production supervision. In San Francisco he married his first wife, Pat, who died in 1991. When Standard Oil became Chevron, Dick remained with the company, becoming manager of asset management.

In retirement, Dick pursued several interests, serving his church and his community. He was an avid tennis player and swimmer, and enjoyed theater and Italian-language study. He traveled the world with his second wife, Nadine, whom he married in 1995.

Dick was survived by Nadine; two daughters, Jill and Laura; stepsons Brant, Kell, and Cade Hardin; and six grandchildren. We have sent condolences.