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Many in ASBPA and the Coastal Field at large experienced the kindness and generosity of spirit of Dr. Rich Weggel. Rich was the recipient of our highest award- the Morrough P. O’Brien award– in 2016. We were saddened to hear of his passing and below we share his obituary with our community.
Dr. J. Richard “Rich” Weggel of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania passed away on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Einstein Medical Center Montgomery. He was 79 years old. Rich was born November 29, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, son of the late John Weggel and the late Frida Weggel (nee – Kleinknecht). He is the beloved husband of 57 years to his high school sweetheart Martha E. Weggel (nee Eyer); father of David and his wife Kristen, Craig and his wife Loey, and Robert Weggel; devoted grandfather of Portia, Anastasia, James, Colby, and Ethan Weggel.
Rich was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended the Philadelphia Public Schools, graduating from Frankford High School in June 1959. In June 1964, he graduated from the Drexel Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He received a Master of Science degree in June 1966, and obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree in civil engineering (hydraulics) in October 1968.
Rich was a Professor of Civil Engineering in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Drexel University for 25 years, retiring in 2008. He continued working in his field specializing in shore erosion and coastal engineering as a consultant after retiring. His full biography can be read on the Drexel University website: www.pages.drexel.edu/~weggel/
Rich was an avid reader who enjoyed trips to the beach and painting watercolors in his free time. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. and memorial service at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 444 Old York Road at Vista Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Weggel Family Fellowship Fund c/o Drexel University, PO Box 8215, Philadelphia, PA 19101.