Obituary of Richard Werner Vook

Dr. Richard “Dick” Werner Vook, 89, of Atlantic Beach, FL (Fleet Landing) passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Monday, 2/11/2019.

He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He received degrees in Physics from Carleton College (BA) and the University of Illinois (MS, PhD). He was employed by the IBM Research Lab. in Yorktown Heights, NY (1957-61) and the Franklin Institute Research Labs in Philadelphia (1961-65). In 1965, he joined the faculty of Syracuse University as an Associate Professor of Metallurgy. He later became Professor of Physics. For several years, he was Director of the Solid State Science and Technology Program at SU. He has also had part time employment during summer at the University of California’s Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (1977-81) and Sandia National Lab. in Albuquerque, NM (1982-83). From 1998-2002 he was a Consultant Professor at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. His research in the areas of thin films, surface science and defects in crystals, which has resulted in numerous publications and chapters in books,  as well as many honors among which was the 1983 Medal and Prize from the Metals Society of Great Britain.

Richard enjoyed the outdoors, vegetable and flower gardening, fruit trees, and beekeeping. He loved to travel, site see and hike. He was an active member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, FL. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. He will sadly be missed.

Richard is predeceased by his wife Julia of 46 years. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Frederick L. Vook (Frederica) of Albuquerque, NM; two daughters, Katherine Getchell (Wayne) of Londonderry, NH and Elizabeth VanBenSchoten (John Hammerstedt) of Jamesville, NY; two sons, Richard S. (Teresa) of Ellicott City, MD and Dr. Frederick W. (Noelle) of Schaumburg, IL; fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral home, 4612 S. Salina St. Syracuse, NY 13205, from 12:00 noon to 1:00pm with a service at 1:00pm. The burial will be private.

Contributions may be made to: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1423 8th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250