My father, Dr. Richard E. Mudgett, 1925-2018

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 12 Apr 2018 2:40 pm

This is a tough one to swallow. He and I are so much alike it scares me.

Born (1925) and raised in Boston. Bailed out of Boston English High School at barely 17 to serve with the 3rd Marine Division Joint Assault Signal Company during World War II on Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima. After electrical engineering and business degrees under the GI Bill, he worked in the electronics industry & NASA through the mid-late 60s, and raised a family in Boston, having met my mother singing in church choir in Allston. Retrained in microbiology and biochemical engineering (Ph.D. from MIT), and then spent rest of his career teaching food science and engineering at UMass Amherst. Spent the last 25 years in retirement traveling, singing light opera, and involved with adult education.

He has been, at various times, my mentor, baseball coach, fishing partner, best friend, and toughest critic. He had a good life, but it's gonna be tough on the rest of us without him.

DG Whitley · Post by **DG Whitley** » 12 Apr 2018 3:14 pm

Dave, I am so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences and prayers for you and your family during this time of grief.

gary pierce · Post by **gary pierce** » 12 Apr 2018 5:36 pm

Sorry to hear Dave, but sounds like he had a wonderful life, and family.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 12 Apr 2018 5:56 pm

My sincere condolences, Dave. I wonder if he knew my sister who, albeit much younger, was chair of the Nutrition department at UMass-Amherst for many years. (My son is on the music faculty there now...)

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 12 Apr 2018 6:01 pm

Wow! What a full life.

I am so sorry for your loss. I still think about my Dad every day.

Lee

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 12 Apr 2018 6:23 pm

Sorry, Dave. 'Sounds like a great Dad!

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 12 Apr 2018 6:59 pm

Jim - I suspect he must have known her. I believe Food Science and Nutrition were one department at one point when he was there. He retired in 1994.

I also notice that your son is chairing a saxophone festival this weekend.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 12 Apr 2018 7:01 pm

Dave Mudgett wrote:I also notice that your son is chairing a saxophone festival this weekend.

Indeed he is, Dave. My wife and I will be driving up tomorrow morning; we attend this festival every year.

Again, my condolences. I'll ask my sister if she knew your Dad.

Russ Tkac · Post by **Russ Tkac** » 12 Apr 2018 7:21 pm

My condolences Dave.

Bill Cunningham · Post by **Bill Cunningham** » 12 Apr 2018 8:28 pm

My deepest sympathy, Dave.

Godfrey Arthur · Post by **Godfrey Arthur** » 12 Apr 2018 8:56 pm

Sorry for your loss Dave.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 13 Apr 2018 1:05 am

My condolences Dave.

Carl Williams · Post by **Carl Williams** » 13 Apr 2018 2:28 am

We’ve lost another shining example of the “Greatest Generation”. He lives on now through you Dave. My deepest sympathy to you and the family... Carl

Allen Howington · Post by **Allen Howington** » 13 Apr 2018 2:47 am

I am so sorry for your loss, great Fathers are not easy to come by these days, sounds like you surely had one of the best, as I did!!!

Brad Nelson · Post by **Brad Nelson** » 13 Apr 2018 2:53 am

Sorry to hear the news Dave. Stay strong I know it will take time. God Bless.

Robert Murphy · Post by **Robert Murphy** » 13 Apr 2018 3:50 am

Sorry for your loss. Celebrate a life well spent.

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 13 Apr 2018 4:18 am

It's a profound time, Dave. As it appears by your description of your father, my father created his own legacy that did not require me to maintain. Yet remembering it and carrying it forward is a part of me for the rest of my days.
Sorry for your loss.

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 13 Apr 2018 5:50 am

So sorry for your loss, Dave. It sounds like your dad had a rich, full life, and you have a lot of wonderful memories. Interesting that your father taught at UMass. I was a student there from 1969 to 1973, probably before he was there. Wishing you peace and comfort as you remember your father.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 13 Apr 2018 5:54 am

Dave,

I checked with my sister and she confirms that they did know each other and were colleagues in the same department before it split into two departments. She remembers him fondly, and sends you and your family her sincere condolences.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 13 Apr 2018 7:51 am

so sorry for your loss Dave.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 13 Apr 2018 8:00 am

Very sorry for your loss Dave and condolences to you and your family. Your Dad sounded like a fascinating and extremely well educated man. I'm sure he challenged you throughout your life and made a huge contribution toward who you are today. Rest in peace.

Jim Cooley · Post by **Jim Cooley** » 13 Apr 2018 8:06 am

So sorry for your loss, Dave. My condolences to you and your family.

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 13 Apr 2018 8:15 am

My condolences to you Dave.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 13 Apr 2018 10:17 am

Dave, my condolences on the loss of your father.

Bill Sinclair · Post by **Bill Sinclair** » 13 Apr 2018 10:40 am

My condolences as well, Dave. Peace to you and your family.

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My father, Dr. Richard E. Mudgett, 1925-2018

My father, Dr. Richard E. Mudgett, 1925-2018

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