Rich died Nov. 5, 2016, of a rare blood cancer.

He was a dedicated ordained minister who devoted his life to those in need. He delivered the University memorial address in the Chapel on Alumni Day during our 25th reunion in 1995.

Rich came to Princeton as a highly rated football player from Pennsylvania. Even in high school he used his physical gifts to protect the weak and disadvantaged.

When an injury cut his varsity career short during sophomore year, he applied his talents and spirit to the study of sociology with Suzanne Keller, to the creation of Stevenson Hall, and to his many friends.

Rich was the type of person who would pause on the way out of a burning dormitory to save a friend’s thesis notes — and in fact he did just that. His inexhaustible good cheer never deserted him. His greatest pride in Princeton was his part in the legendary Cannon Hoax of 1969.

Work with disadvantaged youth after college led Rich to earn a master’s degree in guidance counseling. His faith and social conscience led him further to the ministry. Tending his flock with his characteristic energy and joy, he was angered in the face of injustice and wept with the victims of violence, in the great activist traditions of our college years.

Rich is survived by his widow, Joanne Villei; daughters Lisa Cram, Lori Becker, Cara Weikel Musk, and Holly Scheffey; sons Andrew Weikel and Nathan Scheffey; six grandchildren; brothers Chris and Joseph; sister Mary Kraus; and his mother, Elizabeth.

We stand with those who made his life so rich and in turn were blessed to know his love and hope. We will deeply miss this powerful and humble friend.

Undergraduate Class of 1970