Richard Martin Watt ’52

Richard Martin Watt ’52 passed away on January 25, 2015, at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, New Jersey. Born in LaGrange, Illinois, he graduated from Glen Ridge (New Jersey) High School and then Dartmouth in 1952 with a degree in English. He was a member of Sigma Nu and a senior editor of The Dartmouth. He also was an active alumnus, coediting his class 25-year reunion book and serving terms as class secretary and newsletter editor. Following graduation he was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy, serving three years. For the remainder of his 50-year career Dick worked for Crossfield Products Corp., a New Jersey manufacturer of materials for the construction industry, retiring as president and later as chairman of the board of directors. In addition Dick authored several books on the subject of European history: Dare Call It Treason, about the French Army mutinies in World War I; The Kings Depart, about Germany between the wars; and Bitter Glory, the history of a free Poland from 1918 to 1939. All received favorable literary reviews. He was also a frequent reviewer of books. He was awarded the prestigious Waclaw Jedrzejewicz History Medal in 1996. His interest in disabled persons led to his involvement in his Dartmouth classmate Alan Reich’s Wounded Warrior Project, and he edited its quarterly newsletter. His wife, Nancy, and children Kimberly, Linda, David, Jay and Brittain, their spouses and 12 grandchildren survive him.