Richard T. West ’53

Richard was born in New York City and came to Princeton after graduating from the Pingry School. He majored in architecture and joined Key and Seal Club. After graduation, he served as an ensign in the Navy with tours in the South Pacific, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. He then earned a master’s degree in regional planning from Cornell.

Richard worked for the Cornell Planning Committee for a year after graduation and then moved to York, Pa., where he served as head of the York County Planning Commission. Later he worked in city planning in Pittsburgh and in the mayor’s office. He established Ideas, Images, and Implications and designed a logo used by the Pittsburgh police department. A conversion experience in 1969 led to a variety of experiences such as teaching English in China and a missionary journey to Haiti.

Richard died June 1, 2024, in Dunmore, Pa. Predeceased by his wife, he is survived by one son, three daughters, seven grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.