General Interest Articles

Published in the Albany Times Union from 1/31/2008 - 2/3/2008.

Mattox, Richard DELMAR

Richard Harper Mattox, 92, died peacefully at St. Peter's Hospital on January 28, 2008. Born in Shenandoah, Iowa, he was educated at the University of Michigan (A.B.), Harvard University and Syracuse University (M.P.A.). Mr. Mattox began his career in government service in 1938. After serving in the Army during World War II, he was named director of personnel for the NYS Department of Health where he later served as chief health planning consultant. From 1957-59, he was a public administration advisor for the US Department of State in Iran. In 1965-67, he again sought the international stage as the chief of personnel for the food and agriculture organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy.

The year 1972 marked a new chapter in Mr. Mattox's career. He joined the faculty of Russell Sage College, where he served as chair of the department of government and public service, launching a master of science in public service program. He was visiting professor of health services management at Suffolk University in Boston from 1980-81, where he designed a health management concentration for their M.P.A. program. In 1982, he became a mentor at Empire State College, a position he held until his retirement at age 80. While at Empire State College, he co-founded the University of Bristol International Credit-Earning Programme and served as the North American liaison.

A man of uncommon energy, vision and intellect, Mr. Mattox was widely recognized for his leadership ability. In 1973-74, he served as president of the American Academy of Health Administration. He was a founder and officer of the Capital Area HMO Planning Council as well as a founder and charter board member of the Capital Area Community Health Plan.

In 1992, he was a founder and the first president of the Capital Area Consortium on Aging and Disability, an organization that honored him as a Visionary in 2004. In 1996, he received the Charles Evans Hughes Award for outstanding administration in state government from the American Society for Public Administration. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Capital District Senior Issues Forum in 2001.

Dick had a lifelong interest in community service and cooperative ventures. While at the University of Michigan, he started a housing cooperative. In the 1940s, he was a founder of an Albany food co-op and a Slingerlands nursery school. In retirement, he enjoyed working as a reading mentor at the Giffen Elementary School as well as participating in the Delmar Men's Garden Club and Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Throughout most of his adult life, he was an avid tennis player, skier and gardener. He was an active member of Delmar Presbyterian Church for over 45 years where he served as an elder.

In addition to his beloved wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (MacCulloch), he leaves four children, Robert Mattox, Judith White (Lawrence), Andrew Mattox (Sandee) and Janet Mattox; five adoring grandchildren, Zoe, Craig, Lucas, Bradley and Callie; and great-grandson, Nicolo; sister, Ann Behrens; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret; brothers, Robert and George; and daughter-in-law, Virginia Mattox. . . .

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mattox Public Policy Lecture Endowment at Empire State College Foundation, 28 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, 176 Sheridan Ave., Albany, NY 12210. See [Meyers Funeral Home] website for condolences.