Rick died of pancreatic cancer March 4, 2020, surrounded by family. 

He grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Phillips Exeter. At Princeton he rowed freshmen crew, finding humor in even the most grueling workouts. An English major and member of Terrace Club, Rick got into theater, directing numerous productions and writing reviews for the Prince. Immediately after Princeton he taught at the International College in Beirut and subsequently earned a master’s degree in English from Stanford. Rick worked briefly in finance in New York before becoming a teacher and tutor, living in central New Jersey. He spent summers from the age of 5 in Maine, “messing around” in boats and reading.

A prolific reader, skilled listener, and storyteller, Rick saw the world through the lens of literature. His daughter recalls the joy he took doing research for articles about favorite authors, particularly James Joyce. He is remembered as calm and steady, a thoughtful presence with a wry sense of humor. 

A former roommate recalls, “Rick carried a bushy head of hair, a loping gait, and a tender heart.” 

The class extends its condolences to his beloved daughter, Clara, and his family and friends.

Undergraduate Class of 1979