Obituary: Grodsky, assistant dean in engineering and applied science

By Tony Fitzpatrick

H. Richard "Rick" Grodsky, assistant dean and registrar in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital from complications of lung cancer. He was 58 and lived in Creve Coeur, Mo.

Grodsky joined the University in 1990 as professor of electrical engineering, although he had been an adjunct instructor in the School of Engineering and Applied Science from 1966-71. He was the electrical engineering department's liaison for the University of Missouri-St. Louis/Washington University Joint Undergraduate Engineering Program.

He also served as director of continuing education with responsibility for the School of Engineering and Applied Science's summer school program.

Grodsky was president of Talx, a high-tech voice response systems company in west St. Louis County. He helped found the business in 1973 as Interface Technology Inc., and it was sold in 1984.

Grodsky's research interests included artificial intelligence, object-oriented languages and systems, and computer engineering. He was particularly interested in the application of artificial intelligence methodology to the solution of developing intelligent tutoring and training systems.

"Rick had an extraordinary ability to relate to people," said Barry E. Spielman, Ph.D., professor and chair of electrical engineering. "Students in the School of Engineering and Applied Science elected Rick Professor of the Year four times. I attribute his popularity with students, faculty and staff to two primary factors. First, he had a contagious enthusiasm for the material he taught, sports -- primarily the St. Louis Cardinals and Rams -- and life in general.

"Second, he demonstrated a sincere interest in people that drew people to him. Most people who spent any time with Rick considered him to be a friend. He will be missed."

A St. Louis native, Grodsky earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, all in electrical engineering, from Washington University.

A graveside service was held Feb. 8 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield, Mo.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Gloria R. Grodsky; two daughters, Dawn Grodsky of Arlington, Va., and Jodi Novotny of Maryland Heights, Mo.; a son, Darren Grodsky of Hollywood, Calif.; and a granddaughter.

A memorial service at the University is being planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.