David N. Wormley

David N. Wormley, born on September 1, 1939, in Moline, Illinois, left this world peacefully on May 19, 2026, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

David, the beloved husband of Shirley (nee Lewis), grew up in Dubuque, Iowa. They met in fourth grade and their bond deepened, leading to their marriage on June 9, 1962, in Dubuque, Iowa. Together, they shared a love for tennis and bridge, creating treasured memories with friends throughout their lives. Lifetime friendships were also formed through their church affiliations. David was a devoted father to his daughters, Linda and Janet and their husbands, Tony Falcone and Jon Firooz, and he took immense pride in being a grandfather to Marissa and Matthew Falcone.

After graduating from MIT in 1962, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, David and Shirley moved to Boston. He completed his Masters and PhD at MIT and then joined the MIT faculty. As a teacher and mentor, David invested in the futures of his students with boundless generosity. He supervised 21 Masters theses and 16 doctoral theses, a testament to the countless hours he spent listening, guiding, and challenging his students to think bigger and reach further. He was recognized for his teaching, a reflection of the care with which he prepared the next generation of engineers to lead with integrity and insight. He also developed a new graduate course and co-authored an undergraduate textbook in System Dynamics.

College of Engineering at Penn State University. For twenty years, his leadership helped transform PSU into a global leader in teaching, research, and service. He continued to mentor graduate students, guiding both master’s and doctoral theses, and he added to a scholarly legacy with more than 100 papers and reports. His research on dynamic systems and control, applied to transportation systems, fossil fuel power plants, and fluid power systems, demonstrated how rigorous science can illuminate complex real-world challenges and improve people’s lives. He worked with the development office to create a $200 million campaign to support students and faculty, a testament to his ability to envision, rally, and realize ambitious goals for the benefit of generations to come. The campaign concluded shortly after his retirement, leaving a lasting impact on the university and its students.

David also made significant contributions to the field of engineering. He served as President of the American Society of Engineering Education and was honored as a Life Fellow of the in his leadership roles, David touched institutions and industry alike. Starting in 1985, he served as Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, then as Associate Dean, shaping curricula, faculty development, and the culture of excellence that defined his era. In May of 1986, he was appointed by the Massachusetts Governor to the Massachusetts Technology Development Corporation, helping to fund startup ventures that invigorated the state’s economy and sparked innovation. He maintained connections to industry and served as a principal technical consultant to LeMessurier Associates, contributing to the design and construction of tuned mass dampers that reduced wind-induced building motion for the John Hancock Tower in Boston and the CitiCorp Building in New York City. These projects stood as living testaments to his belief that theory and practice belong together, each amplifying the other for the benefit of society.

David and Shirley’s journey took a new and equally meaningful turn in 1992, when he accepted the position of Dean of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering. His expertise extended to the Transportation Research Board, where he chaired a committee focused on studying vehicle rollover accidents. David and Shirley cherished the many relationships and adventures they had traveling with colleagues during his tenure on the board of Helios Technologies, as well as his role on the board of Michael Baker, a leading provider of innovative engineering solutions for complex infrastructure challenges.

David and Shirley’s partnership extended beyond their professional achievements. They embraced the PSU community and enjoyed cheering on the Nittany Lions—wrestling, football, basketball, and volleyball—sharing in the excitement of game day. In gratitude for their contributions and in memory of their shared values, alumni and friends established the David and Shirley Excellence Fund to support world-class engineers. In June of 2013, David received the honorary alumni award, a distinction that mirrored the respect and affection in which he was held by colleagues and students alike.

In 2016, David and Shirley embraced a new chapter in their lives by moving to Willow Valley in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There, the community lifestyle provided opportunities to form new relationships and enrich their retirement. David’s legacy of love, dedication, and commitment to his family and profession will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services for David are being planned and will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Team Member Education Fund of Willow Valley, 300 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584.