Dr. Richard Hale "Dick" Prosl

FUNERAL HOME

Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service

4124 Ironbound Road

Williamsburg, Virginia

Richard Prosl Obituary

PROSL, Richard Hale, "Dick", of Williamsburg, passed away peacefully on February 14th, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol Lovell Prosl, and daughters, Elizabeth P. Arnold (Jeff) of Brentwood, TN, Karen P. Firestone (Rob) of Midlothian, VA, and grandchildren, Caitlyn, Kyle, and Hayley. He is also survived by his sisters, Janet Ragland (Ron) of Richmond, VA, and Nancy Mader (Fred) of Staunton, VA. His parents, Harry and Verna Prosl predeceased him. Richard was born in Springfield, MA on April 21st, 1938. Richard attended the College of William of Mary (class of '59). He received his B.S. from William and Mary, a B.A. and M.A. from Oxford University (England) and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Richard H. Prosl joined the faculty of the College of William and Mary in 1966 as a professor of Mathematics. In the fall of 1984, Professor Prosl joined with other mathematicians and computer scientists to form the Department of Computer Science, which he chaired for many years. Professor Prosl was best known by his colleagues for his truly outstanding record of service to his alma mater. He served as a freshman/sophomore advisor for thirty-four years and as a Faculty Marshal for thirty-five years, the last eleven as Chief Marshal; leading academic processions at graduations and other official ceremonies. His enthusiasm for teaching was central to his career. He is best remembered by his students for his course in computer graphics. Students always enjoyed his sense of humor and style of teaching. His Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8am classes were always a "full house". He is remembered for always taking the time to talk with students, and he shared a genuine interest in making meaningful connections. Dick also served on the Board of the Wesley Foundation of the College of William and Mary. In his personal and professional life, Dick was known for his warmth, wit and intellect. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Respite Care Program at Williamsburg United Methodist Church (WUMC Respite, 500 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA), or to the Fund for William and Mary (giving.wm.edu). Please visit www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net to offer the family condolences.

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

Published by Virginia Gazette on Feb. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Prosl

Sponsored by Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service.

4 Entries

Mark Vaughan

March 14, 2021

I dated one of his daughters. He was a wonderful man who taught me about beaugolais neauveau and let me cut the Thanksgiving turkey. I talked him into getting a pickup truck and he told me it made him feel “cool” on weekend runs to the dump. He had lunch at Paul’s frequently and would pick up the tab. That whole family was, and remains, an awesome part of my life. Thank you, Dr. Prosl, for “coming alongside”. I’d happily rake leaves for you for free.

Robert Carmines, MST, CFP, CPA

February 28, 2021

I was a student at Bethel High School in 1976 and Dr. Prosl taught us calculus via video tape. State of the art technology back in the day! We had absolutely no interaction with Dr. Prosl other than occasionally hitting rewind to go back over a particularly complicated lesson. However I wanted his family and friends to know that we learned from him. To some degree, we thought of him as our teacher. He actually made some of the lessons funny and interesting. I recall one where he was taking about something like calculating an arc and the example he used was flinging a doll off of a cliff. He delivered it straight deadpan and we all looked at each other and then the entire class completely broke out laughing like crazy. As I said, we never met him, but we would often refer to him like he was in class with us. So even on video, he touched a lot of young minds. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Stephen and Jeri Sharrett

February 20, 2021

Our prayers are with you..He was a gentle and kind man..It was pleasure to know him and his family..love ya much, Stephen and Jeri Sharrett

Leslie Knicely

February 20, 2021

Dr Prosl was my freshman advisor in 1971. I took his calculus classes and linear algebra. He was an excellent professor and took an interest in me as a student and as a person. I always appreciated that.
May God comfort all who loved him.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results