Richard Vance Wolfenden

Richard Vance Wolfenden passed away on the morning of October 22, 2025 at the age of 90, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anita (83), his son Peter (59), his sister Susan (83), grandchildren Shea (24), Maeve (22), Giovanna (19), and Corrado (14) and is predeceased by his son John, who passed in 2016.

Richard's gentle manner, genuine kindness, and endless curiosity are fondly remembered by family and friends alike. And the many mentors, colleagues, and students who collaborated with him over the course of his long and prolific scientific career can also attest to both his clarity of purpose and to the sparkle of his mind.We are grateful for everything he gave us, just as he was himself profoundly grateful for all he was given. And we hold him in our hearts with the same affection which he showed us every day.

A celebration of his life is planned in May of 2026.