Richard Paul Lacey ’67

Richard Paul Lacey ’67 died on June 5, shortly after his diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia. He came to the College from Arlington, Virginia, majored in mathematics, and graduated magna cum laude with high distinction in his major. He was a stalwart at WDCR, played in the Marching Band, and became one of “Kemeny’s Kids,” collaborating with professors John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz on the introduction of time-sharing and the BASIC programming language. Dick received his M.S. from Stanford in 1968 and then devoted his career to working for the U.S. Department of Defense creating software programming for devices and conducting leading-edge research in new super computers and technology. He was regarded by his colleagues as an inspiring leader and mentor, smart, reliable, and capable of dealing effectively with very complex problems. As one said, “His was a wonderful gift that allowed him to make a tremendous contribution to the nation’s ability to provide intelligence in a timely manner and to do it in a style that made those who worked with him comfortable around a great friend and colleague.” Dick is survived by his wife, Joy, and children Elaine and Benjamin.