Richard was born on December 24, 1933, to John and Victoria Doviak. He grew up in New Jersey and was encouraged to go to Fairleigh Dickenson college by his high school guidance counselor. There, a teacher recommended he continue his studies, and he transferred to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
His scholarship continued with a PhD in Electrical Engineering earned from the University of Pennsylvania. He moved to Oklahoma in 1972 to lead the weather radar program at the National Severe Storms Laboratory.
He never retired, writing innumerable papers, speaking at conferences around the world, and serving on countless graduate committees. The book on Doppler weather radar written by Dick and friend, Dr. Dusan Zrnic, is translated into several languages. However, limiting his life to his brilliant scientific mind would lose the spirit of the man.
Dick loved helping students and colleagues achieve their highest potential. He adored being with his family, and his happiest times were spent with them. Larger than life, he ziplined down the mountains of Kauai for his 80th birthday and bicycled to work until 2018.
His dazzling smile brightened any room he entered. Although we have faith we will see him again, the world is still a little darker today.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Victoria Doviak, and sister, Phyllis Nowacki.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Doviak; daughter and son-in-law, Victoria and Gregg Harrison; daughter and daughter-in-law, Karen Doviak and Hallie Wright and her daughter Carlee Wright; son, Richard Doviak Jr. and his partner Gerri Baggott; granddaughter Angelina Hill, her husband Colton Hill, and great grandson, Bradley Hill; sister, Arlene Doviak and her partner Jim Kaywork; brother and sister-in-law, John and Hilary Doviak; and much-loved nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews!
Visitation is March 21, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and March 22, 2021 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Primrose, a Rosary and wake will take place at Primrose on March 22, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated and livestreamed from St. Thomas More University Parish at 11:00 am on March 23, 2021.
Additionally, a celebration of life is planned once everything is safer.
Donations are encouraged to the American Cancer Society.
