A message from Dean Cecilia Rouse: 

 

Richard C. Leone, MPA ’65, Ph.D. ’69 passed away last week at the age of 75. He was most recently a senior fellow at the Century Foundation (formerly the Twentieth Century Fund), where he served as president from 1989 to 2011.

 

Dick was an important presence at the Woodrow Wilson School. He was the first student to receive a Ph.D. in public affairs at the School, having completed an MPA focusing on urban affairs four years prior. He is remembered for his sharp intellect, which he combined with a hands-on ability to get things done.  

 

Dick used these skills in multiple roles in both state and federal government: his long career included serving as the executive director of the White House Task Force on the Cities, state treasurer of New Jersey, a commissioner of the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey, and chairman of the Port Authority from 1990 to 1994.

 

He enjoyed the political part of policy as well, serving on a number of campaigns and transition committees at the state and national level. Robert Kennedy, Brendan Byrne, George McGovern, Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, Bill Bradley and Jon Corzine all benefited from his hard work and expertise. 

 

Dick did not limit himself to the public sector: he held several private sector positions, including president of the New York Mercantile Exchange, managing director at Dillon, Read & Co., and director and trustee of multiple funds at the Dreyfus Corporation. He also served on the boards of multiple not-for-profit organizations.

 

A prolific writer and communicator, Dick understood the importance of the media in making a policy case. His analytical and opinion pieces appeared in The New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Foreign Affairs, The Huffington Post and The Nation.

 

Dick Leone was truly the embodiment of Princeton’s unofficial motto, “In the nation’s service and in the service of all nations.” We will miss him. 

 

For thoughts from Paul Starr, Stuart Professor of Communications and Public Affairs and professor of sociology and public affairs, click here.