Richard “Dick” Furlong Dist.M.ASCE was an ASCE Texas Section Past President and Texas Civil Engineering Foundation (TCEF) Past Trustee.
Richard W. Furlong, a devoted educator, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at Highland Springs in Dallas, Texas. He was 96 years old.
Born on March 30, 1929, in Norwalk, Ohio, Richard pursued a lifelong passion for learning and teaching. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas where he went on to teach Structures for an incredible 51 years, from 1958 to 2009. Through his dedication, he inspired and mentored hundreds of students, leaving a lasting impact on the field and the many lives he touched.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Helen C. Furlong; his son, John N. Furlong, and daughter-in-law, Betty Lou Furlong; his grandchildren, Carrie Marie Little and Brian Furlong his wife, Lexi, and his five cherished great-grandchildren, Caroline Little, Olivia Little, Emma Furlong, Luke Furlong, and Harvey Furlong. He is also survived by his younger brother, Norman Burr Furlong, Jr., and wife Cynthia and many other relatives across the United States.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard found joy in playing golf, engaging in bridge games, watching movies and traveling. However, nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his family, especially during the holidays, when he enjoyed every gathering.
Richard W. Furlong’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to education and family will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life for Mr. Furlong will be held at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Following the celebration, a reception will be held in the Atrium.
Donations maybe made to a charity of your choice or to the Texas Civil Engineering Foundation.
The Furlong family have meant a lot to ASCE and give so much to the civil engineering profession.
The Section wishes to honor and celebrate his contributions to the ASCE community with an In Memoria for and by our members.
Please share your stories, celebratory sentiments, and bits of memorable history below.
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Dick was one of my first contacts at an ASCE Texas Section meeting in the 80’s. As a young Engineer, I wandered by mistake into a social in the Presidential suite. He made me feel very welcome and set an example that it was possible to have fun at these meetings while still improving professional development.
Dick was my hero because he was a person with great mental and spirtual skills. He is a great professional engineer and teacher. I really loved this man and his family.
Dick Kistner
Thank you, Dick. I think of you and Patsy very often. We certainly had a time in San Antonio. Great activities and parties, much better than the academia in Austin. Those five years there were wonderful, and I taught a rowdy Middle School bunch at St. Cecilia’s Catholic School with five nuns from Ireland. What an experience. Hardest job I ever had. Dick retired in 2009 and we moved to Dallas where we have enjoyed being with our son, Jack, his two children, Carrie and Brian, Carrie’s girls, Caroline and Olivia, and Brian’s, Emma, Luke and Harvey. Dick and I met at SMU, so it was like coming home in a way. Again, thanks for being there when we were. I am now 93, but I think I will get by okay. Love and Blessings, Helen Furlong
I so enjoyed my association with Dr. Furlong and his wonderful wife, Helen as I was growing in my involvement with the Texas Section ASCE. He and Helen built the foundation that today’s very successful Texas Section was built on – very fitting role for a structural engineer (pardon the intentional pun). He was a joy to be around with a great sense of humor and love for the people around him. I never took a course under Dr. Furlong, but I felt like one of his own. His legacy in ASCE has continued with his son, Jack, who has shown great leadership for ASCE, as well. Well done, good and faithful servant!