Richard Hoar, 83
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Richard "Dick" Hoar, 83, of 179 Cold Spring Road died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center. He was the longtime chairman of the Williamstown Board of Health.
Born in 1927 in Boston, son of Carl and Ruth Cole Hoar, he attended Williamstown schools, Williston Academy, Dartmouth College and the University of Kansas at Lawrence, from which he received his doctorate in anatomy.
Mr. Hoar was a teacher of human anatomy, teratology and toxicology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Albany Medical College and Berkshire Community College. He was also recognized as a world leader in teratology and toxicology research.
He was a member of national and international organizations including the National Center for Toxicological Research; the Teratology Society, of which he was president in 1980; and the Behavioral Teratology Society, of which he was president in 1981, and the New York Academy of Science.
As a community member involved in public health, he also was chairman of the Allendale (N.J) Board of Health and chairman for 10 years of the board of the Raymond E. Banta Valley Center in Ridgewood, N.J.
A devoted member of his church, Mr. Hoar was a past chairman of deacons for First Congregational Church of Williamstown. In the summer, he attended the East Otisfield Baptist Church in Otisfield, Maine.
He greatly enjoyed his morning coffee with the Williams College Faculty Club Panthers.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, the former Rita George; a son, Andrew Hoar and his wife, Elaine, of Williamstown, and his granddaughter, Celina Hoar, also of Williamstown.
His siblings George Hoar, Dr. Carl Sherman Hoar Jr. and Rachel Hoar predeceased him.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A memorial service for Mr. Hoar will be held Sunday, Dec. 11, at 11 at First Congregational Church of Williamstown with the Rev. Carrie Bail, pastor, officiating.
Calling hours will be Friday, Dec. 10, from 3 to 6 at Flynn-Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thompson Lake Environmental Association (TLEA), P.O. Box 25, Oxford, ME 04270 or through the funeral home.