Wadsworth Owen, 77, retired physical oceanographer and Director of Marine Sciences at the University of Delaware, died Nov. 26 at Chase Point, Damariscotta.
Owen was born Sept. 4, 1932 in New York, N.Y. but spent most of his childhood on the banks of the St. Johns River in Mandarin, Fla., where he discovered an early passion for both the sea and flying. He graduated from high school in Greenwich, Conn. and joined the Marines, where he attained the rank of sergeant in the PTO during the Korean War. He graduated with a BS in physics and mathematics from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) in 1961 and received his Master’s in physical oceanography from Johns Hopkins University in 1969. He worked primarily as a researcher and consultant in oceanography and environmental studies in Connecticut and New Hampshire before becoming Director of the Marine Sciences program at the University of Delaware in Lewes, Del. from 1977 until his retirement in 1996. He was a noted author and patent-holder in his field and also in the field of aeronautical design. He retired to his parents’ home in Friendship, where he was involved in local flying clubs and a docent at the Owls Head Museum in Rockland. He possessed a brilliant and inquiring mind.
Survivors of Mr. Owen include daughters, Leslie E Owen of Pensacola, Fla., Victoria Owen Rand of Omaha, Neb., Samantha Owen of Old Saybrook, Conn., and Joanna Owen of Lowell, Mass.; eight grandchildren; and very good friend, Mrs. Marie Hendrickson of Friendship.
The memorial service will be held at a later date.
Condolences to the family may be sent to hallfh@myfairpoint.net.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main St. Waldoboro.
