Richard Moll

Madison, WI - Richard (Dick) Moll, of Madison, WI, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, professor and friend to many passed away peacefully surrounded by family at age 79 on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Dick was born in Chicago, IL on September 2, 1935, the eldest son of Dorothy and Louis Moll. He was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Pat Moll, at Tuley High School in Chicago and together they raised six children. Dick was the first in his family to go to college, getting his undergraduate degree from IIT--Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL and his PhD from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania in Mechanical Engineering. In 1966, he and Pat moved to Madison with their children for Dick's first teaching job at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he remained as a professor in the Department of Engineering for over 40 years. He also was a world-renowned product safety consultant who helped create better safety standards globally. Many in the industry recall him as a straight-shooter who would often turn down product safety cases if he didn't believe a company was acting ethically.

He and Pat loved traveling, and visited over 30 countries. Dick enjoyed spending time with friends golfing, bowling, running and meeting for a beer at the Union and the Village Bar. He was an avid member of Rotary Club. He was proud to run numerous Syttende Mai events and the Chicago Marathon when he was 40 years old.

Dick and Pat were also dedicated philanthropists who started their own scholarship at the College of Engineering for students. They also sponsored many university-related causes, hospice and many other organizations. But mostly Dick will be remembered for his generosity. He would often read a newspaper article about someone and send them unsolicited funds. He was never without a stash of flashing color rings so that if he passed by a fussy child or a helpful waitress he could make their day with a surprise. He loved to give to others and brighten their days with a laugh.

He is survived by his six children, Debi Patz of Pewaukee, WI, Rick Moll of Madison, Thom Moll of Mt. Horeb, Kathy (Erich) Hahn of Bethesda, MD, Ken (Mary Claire) Moll of Chicago, IL, and Christine (Joe) Garofoli of Oakland, CA; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his brother Paul (Connie) Moll of Rockford, IL; and many friends. Preceding him in death is the love of his life, Pat Moll; his two grandchildren, Corey and Eric Patz; his sister, Betty; brother, Bob; his mother, Dorothy; and father, Louis.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 from 4-6 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A funeral service will be Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at ST PAUL UNIVERSITY CATHOLIC CENTER, 723 State Street, Madison, with Fr. Eric Nielsen presiding. A reception will follow at Blackhawk Country Club. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, WI or The Dick and Pat Moll Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434