Richard "Dick" M. Wyskida, 82, Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Systems Engineering at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) died on Tuesday, May 15, of cancer.
He received a BSEE degree from Tri-State University (Angola, IN), a MSIE from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa, AL), and a PhD from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK).
Wyskida served as Professor of Engineering at UAH for nearly 45 years. His research involved the minimization of system cost via the optimization techniques of operations research. He authored three books, and served in multiple capacities at UAH including Dean of Engineering, Associate Dean of Engineering, and Chairperson of the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department.
His memberships include INFORMS Societies, Institute of Industrial Engineers, the Operations Research Society of America, and the American Society for Engineering Education, and he was a registered professional engineer in the state of Alabama.
Wyskida, was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Betty Long Wyskida, and his parents Martin and Mary Wyskida. He is survived by his children, Alan Wyskida (Millie) and Carol Wyskida-Stafford (Craig) of Huntsville; five grandchildren, Sarah Tidmarsh (Rob), Alexander Wyskida, Betty Jerome (David), Brian Stafford, all of Huntsville and Holly Anderson (Daniel) of Clarksville, Tennessee; three great grandchildren, David Jerome, Emilie Jerome, and Amelia Anderson.
Wyskida was a three-time cancer survivor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society.