Robert O. Woods ’62 *67

Bob died Oct. 24, 2021, in Albuquerque, N.M., as a result of a fall while recovering from COVID-19.

Bob joined our class in 1960 after being admitted with advanced standing. After graduation he remained at Princeton, earning a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 1967. While at Princeton he married Judith Neese in 1965.

They moved to Albuquerque, where Bob worked for the Sandia National Laboratories for more than 32 years. His research there focused on atmospheric studies, rocketry and balloons, airborne environmental monitoring, nuclear disarmament, renewable energy, and control systems. In 1991 the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) appointed him as a congressional fellow, serving on the Committee on Governmental Affairs chaired by Sen. John Glenn. Bob retired in 1997. As an active member of ASME he published numerous journal articles throughout the years.

He was an avid pilot of private aircraft and gliders, sailor, cyclist, and lifelong student of archaeology. He assisted the Institute of Nautical Archaeology in the development of a remotely operated vehicle for the exploration of sunken triremes, a type of ancient warship.

He is survived by Judy, children Lisa and Rob, and three grandsons. The class offers its sympathy to all.