Richard A. Weidener, former divisional vice president of the National Starch and Chemical Co., died Nov. 5, 2008, from complications following a stroke in July.

Weidener was born in Jersey City, NJ, and graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College in 1944. He started his career as a chemist with National Starch and Chemical Corp. and retired after 37 years as divisional vice president of the Adhesives Division. Professional associations included membership in the American Chemcial Society, Technical Committee of the Adhesives and Sealants Council, Washington, D.C., and chairman of the Technical Committee, Adhesives Manufacturers Association, New York City.

In his final year with National Starch, Weidener served as a loaned executive to the United Way of Somerset County, where he spent many subsequent years serving on allocation panels and chairing a retiree-giving program. He also sat on the board of directors of the Learning Gate, where he served as secretary, treasurer and president.

Weidener is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice, his son, daughter, grandsons and numerous other relatives.