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Dr. Richard Patrick Wool

1947 - 2015

BORN

1947

DIED

2015

About

University of Colorado University of Delaware University of Illinois University of Utah

Richard Wool Obituary

Dr. Richard Patrick Wool

AGE: 67 • Newark

Prof. Wool, age 67, of Newark, DE, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 24, 2015.

Born in Cork, Ireland, to Patrick and Nora Wool, he met his wife Deborah Fitzgerald Wool at University College Cork Ireland in 1969 and moved to the United States to marry the love of his life and start a family. During this time he also completed his B.Sc. in Chemistry (Honors Degree), Univ. College Cork Ireland (1970), plus his M.S. (1972) and Ph.D. in Materials Science & Eng. from the University of Utah (1974). After teaching at the University of New York and the University of Colorado, Richard and Deborah moved to the University of Illinois, where they lived for 18 years and started a family with their three daughters Sorcha, Meghan and Breeda. In 1995, the family moved to Delaware and Richard taught as a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware until his passing.

Richard had many accomplishments throughout his personal and professional life. He brought great joy to everyone with his generosity, kindness, humor, music, wisdom, and love of life. A life-long sailor he treasured the times he could bring others with him to enjoy his favorite pastime. His guitar music sessions were special gifts enjoyed by many throughout the years. His daughters feel extremely grateful for such an incredible father, who always took care and time for them regardless of how busy he was with work.

Some of his professional accomplishments include: winning the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award plus being elected Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Physical Society, Division of High Polymer Physics. He has published over 150 papers, written 2 books, and holds 4 patents. He was a guest Professor in the Physics Department, Trinity College Dublin, 2002, the Ecole Polytechnique, Condensed Matter Physics, Paris, France, 1991 and the Politecnico DiMilano, Natta Laboratory, Milan, Italy, 1984.

Richard is deeply loved by his wife, Deborah Fitzgerald Wool; daughters, Sorcha Wool Rocklein and husband Steve Rocklein of Miami, FL, Meghan Wool of Arlington, VA and Breeda Wool and partner Matt Friedman of Los Angeles, CA; sisters, Margaret Spencer and husband Richard Spencer of England and Chris Soltis and husband John of Salt Lake City, UT; and nieces and nephews, Dominic, Ciaran, Ian and Anna Spencer, Adrian Pattinson and Jacqui McLelland and John and Elizabeth Soltis.

Services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Richard Wool Award for Women in Green Chemistry, c/o the University of Delaware Development Office, Development and Alumni Relations Gifts Receiving and Processing Office, 83 East Main Street, 3rd Floor, Newark, DE 19716.

To sign guest book, visit

spicermullikin.com

SPICER-MULLIKIN

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY

302-328-2213

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News Journal on Mar. 29, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Wool

13 Entries

Robert McCarthy

March 23, 2025

My son Ryan´s Godfather. Fond memories of our time spent at the University of Utah.

Alexander Pemba

April 27, 2015

Sincere condolences to the Wool family. Dr. Wool was an inspirational scientist.

Everton Henriques

April 9, 2015

Great and encouraging teacher! His efforts and influence will continue to benefit our world.

Margot Furniss Allen

April 7, 2015

Sincere sympathies to Richards wife and daughters and his sister Margaret. I can tell you that I would have recognised him from his picture even though we haven't met for over 50 years when we lived in nos 7 and 8 the Park in Cobh, Co Cork. I have fond memories of birthday parties and also "musical evenings" when his mom played the piano and his dad the fiddle. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dilis. (may his good soul be at God's right hand)

Melissa Miller

April 6, 2015

My condolences to the family. I learned a lot from Dr. Wool and had a lot of experiences by being in his group. I'll never forget the Green Chemistry conferences or traveling to Mexico or sailing on the boat. Dr. Wool allowed me to increase my love of polymers and to think outside the box. I will always have fond memories.

Erman Senoz

April 5, 2015

It was a pleasure and honor working with him. More importantly, I saw him as a true friend rather than an advisor and it is due to his beautiful personality. This is a terrible loss. I am so sorry, Debbie.

Susan Sun

April 5, 2015

It is so hard to accept the fact that Richard is no longer with us. He was such a wonderful colleague and friend to work with. His passion and innovation has inspired many young scientists and will never be forgotten. We wish Richard be rest in peace in Heaven. Our thoughts are with his family in their devastating loss.

Marilyn, Bill, Anna, Chris & Brendan Hennessey

April 3, 2015

Our years of knowing Richard and Deb and their beautiful girls were the best years of our lives. We will never forget all the friendship and good times we experienced in little old Urbana Illinois. We send our love and condolences to Deb, Sorcha, Meghan, Bree and their whole family.

Mahmoud Dweib

April 2, 2015

Passing of Dr. Richard Wool is our greatest loss. He was loved by everybody; I worked with him for about 4 years in Delaware and moved away more than 10 years ago and still communicated with him frequently and sought his advice on personal and professional matters. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his immediate family; his wife Debbie and their three daughters. Richard will be greatly missed as a good sincere friend and as a professional mentor. I enjoyed working with him at CCM, University of Delaware and enjoyed the personal time at his home and sailing with him in the Chesapeake Bay. He will be greatly missed. Visiting Delaware without Richard Wool is not fun anymore. Dr. Wool, rest in peace

tugrul seyhan

April 1, 2015

I am very sorry to hear that Dr.Wool passed away unexpectedly.

April 1, 2015

Deep sadness to hear the news. Our hearts go out to the Wool women as they and all who knew Richard mourn. The world lost a beautiful person. Richard visited us after we moved to Ann Arbor, leaving more fond memories. Sorcha and Meghan, our daughters, Amy and Laura, were close friends with you in Urbana in your early years. Barry remembers an experience sitting in your backyard with your dad watching the four girls play on a swing, and I think you had a zip line too. Richard was smoking his pipe and watching the fun and said, "Barry, this is the stuff of life." We have borrowed his expression whenever something precious is occurring to remind us of the beauty of life, part of the legacy of your dad. Deb, Sorcha, Meghan, Breeda (for sure too young to remember us), may all the happy memories offer some comfort as you mourn. We send hugs and deep sympathy, Margie and Barry Checkoway

Julie Paprock

March 31, 2015

I am so sorry to hear the passing of Rich. Our family greatly enjoyed knowing him and the family in Urbana. Condolences to the family. Julie Paprock and family

Rick Watkins

March 31, 2015

My deepest condolences to Deb and her family. I considered Richard a very good friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed personally and at Nike.

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