Richard R. Wallace

Richard R. Wallace, 59, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023, with his wife of 26 years, Kami Pothukuchi, by his side. Richard was born May 18, 1964, to Mary (Land) Goldbach and Norman (Cathy) Wallace in Bridgeville, PA. He is survived by his wife, parents, sister Barbara (Ed) Sharek of Perrysburg, OH, brother Michael (Renee) of North Huntingdon, PA, and nieces Allison Wallace and Emma Sharek and nephews Sean (Jessica) Wallace and EJ Sharek, as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Michelle. Richard was a globally recognized expert in transportation systems, planning, and public policy. His most recent work focused on intelligent transportation systems, connected and automated vehicles, and advanced mobility. As a Vice President of the non-profit Center for Automotive Research, he produced groundbreaking research for top corporations and provided strategic advice to governments at all levels in the U.S. and internationally. His wide-ranging research—such as on the role of transportation in access to health care, use of sensors in monitoring the health of infrastructure, and approaches to monitoring truck activity at international border crossings—was also published in numerous journals including the Transportation Research Record. His previous roles included Senior Research Scientist at Michigan Tech Research Institute, Senior Project Manager at Altarum Institute, and Senior Project Manager and Lecturer at the University of Michigan. His co-workers remember him as wickedly smart, creative, insightful, and unfailingly kind. A much sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, Richard also served on the board of directors and as a past president of the Intelligent Transportation Society of Michigan. He received an M.S. in Technology and Science Policy from Georgia Tech and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, and he engaged in doctoral studies at the University of Michigan. Richard delighted in serving for many years as a DJ for the Sounds of the Subcontinent and bluegrass music shows at WCBN (Ann Arbor) and as a student DJ at WREK (Atlanta) radios. Following his 2019 retirement to focus on his health after a cancer diagnosis in 2017, he kept busy networking with friends and former colleagues, offering advice, mentorship, and professional match-making as needed. An avid fan of the Arsenal Football Club and all sports teams associated with Pittsburgh, he stayed on top of games and related commentary. In recent years, he proudly took on the role of academic and job coach for his nieces and nephews. A celebration of Richard's life is planned for 2024. In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to an animal rights organization or local humane society.

Tributes

Richard R. Wallace

May 18, 1964 - October 6, 2023