MIT Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Richard J. Caloggero, EECS Administrative Officer, dies at age 61

September 13, 1995

To: EECS Community

From: Paul Penfield, Jr.

Date: September 13, 1995

Subject: Richard J. Caloggero, Nov. 24, 1933 - Sept. 13, 1995

Most of you know that Dick has been waging a courageous battle against cancer for the past nine months. Unfortunately, this was a battle that could not be won. Dick passed away at 1:17 AM this morning.

Dick came to MIT in 1957, first as a technician and later as an administrator for the Draper Laboratory. After a brief time in the Planning Office, he came to EECS in 1972 as Administrative Officer. Since then he has served the department extraordinarily well, handling or supervising all the necessary administrative tasks including personnel management, budgeting, accounting, facilities, and various departmental services. Over the years Dick has also served on several Institute committees.

We all know that the smooth running of an organization like EECS does not happen by chance. It requires constant nurturing. Dick's sensitive administration for the past 23 years has given us stability, fostered good working relationships among all department personnel, and helped us maintain a high esprit de corps.

Some of Dick's friends at MIT have established a new award in his name for outstanding service by employees of the department. The award will be made as often as appropriate, to honor department staff who have, over an extended period of service, shown loyalty, dedication, and effectiveness beyond normal expectations. There is no one whose career represents these characteristics better than Dick's.

In facing his recent illness, Dick set and maintained a high standard of courage and devotion. From home and hospital, in the middle of medical treatments that used up his time and sapped his energy, he continued to lead our administrative staff. He saw to it that all the required tasks were completed, on time. He never let his own troubles become a burden for others, nor did he ever lose his basic enthusiasm and optimism. His example of how to deal with life's difficulties is one that we are all learning from. We will miss him very much.