Richard Calvin Stofer 1862-1920, President NPCo.

Richard Calvin Stofer

Norwich Pharmacal Company, President from 1906 to 1920

Norwich Percolate, 21:1, January 15, 1935

Richard Calvin Stofer

September 11, 1862 - September 10, 1920

Mr. Stofer became superintendent and chief chemist of The Norwich Pharmacal Company in 1892.  Later on he was made Vice-President; in 1906, President, a position which he held with honor to his company until his death.

During his 28 years on the Norwich staff, he, more than any other one man, was instrumental in the growth of the house from a tiny business occupying a part of the old wooden piano factory, into a group of modern brick and concrete structures containing many acres of floor space; from a concern comparatively unknown to one enjoying an enviable position among the half-dozen largest of its kind in the United States.

He always looked upon and spoke of his employees as "co-corkers".  During his executive life he formed the Pharmacal Company Relief Association, the bonus system, the free life insurance, the community store, the recreation room, the lunch room and other projects for their benefit all originated in his fertile brain.

He applied himself without stint not only to the perplexing problems of production, transportation, coal shortage, etc. that confronted all industries in his life, but to other strenuous duties and responsibilities as president of the Drug Manufacturers' Association and of the Associated industries of New York State. 

His natural qualifications fitted him to become a leader in the industrial world and his close study of conditions, his sympathetic comprehension of the other man's viewpoint, his unfailing geniality and his democratic, unassuming ways earned for him the respect and good will of leaders in industry everywhere. 

By his own efforts he climbed to the pinnacle of his life's ambition, occupying not only a commanding position in the pharmaceutical world, but what was, to him, of far greater importance, viz. enjoying the respect, confidence and esteem of his neighbors and associates and of a nationwide circle of warm friends.

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Obituary

Chenango Telegraph, September 14, 1920

Richard C. Stofer Passes Away; His Death is Great Loss to Norwich

Norwich lost one of its most distinguished and most highly respected citizens Friday morning in the death of Richard C. Stofer, president of the Norwich Pharmacal Company.  He passed away at the Norwich Memorial hospital at 9 o'clock, after an illness of two months.  For the past week or two it was noticed that Mr. Stofer was rapidly sinking, and Thursday hope for his ultimate recovery had been practically given up.  His death, although expected, will be a severe shock to his friends and acquaintances, and the sympathy of all is extended to his bereaved wife and members of his family.

Mr. Stofer was born Sept. 11, 1862 in Wilmington, Delaware and was educated in Philadelphia.  In 1882 he entered the employ of Keasbey & Mattison Company, chemical manufacturers, of Ambler, Pennsylvania, leaving them in 1892 to become superintendent and chief chemist of The Norwich Pharmacal Company.  Later on he was made vice president, and in 1906 president; a position he held with honor to his company, and credit to himself, until his death.  During his 28 years on the Norwich staff, he, more than any other one man, was instrumental in the growth of the house from a tiny business occupying a part of the old wooden piano factory, into a group of modern brick and concrete structures, containing many acres of floor space; from a concern comparatively unknown, to one enjoying an enviable position among the half dozen largest of its kind in the United States.

Among his employees whom he always looked upon and spoke of an "co-workers" a profound sense of grief prevails for they, better than a sympathetic community possibly could, realize their loss. The Pharmacal Community Relief Association, the bonus system, the free life insurance, the community store, the recreation room, the lunch room and other projects for their benefit all orginated in his fertile brain.

He applied  himself without stint, not only to the perplexing problems of production, transportation, coal shortage, etc. that have confronted all industries the past year or more, but to other strenuous duties and responsibility as president of the American Drug Manufacturer's' Association and of the Associated Industries of New York state. As a result his vitality was so sapped that when he suffered from an attack of influenza last winter he did not make a good recovery.  Later on he went to Atlantic City for a rest, but contracted a sever tonsillitis and was confined to his bed in that city for some time, returning home later on, weak and debilitated.

Recovering in part his old vigor he again applied himself to his desk and finally went to Washington on business for the company. This trip overtaxed his strength and finally in mid-June the thread snapped and he was taken to the Norwich Memorial hospital, suffering from a complete breakdown.  he never recovered, but grew progressively weaker until he quietly fell asleep and passed away.

In local, civil and philanthropic movements, he occupied a prominent place, serving as a director of the Building and Loan Association, for many years president of the Y.M.C.A. and when the city was struggling to establish its first hospital, he gave practically his entire time to the project until it was completely organized.  and launched on its mission of mercy.  A few years ago when increasing demands for larger and more modern hospital accommodations made a new plant imperative, he again put his shoulder to the wheel and the Norwich Memorial hospital of today is a lasting monument to his social judgment, broad vision and interest in the afflicted. And it is a touching coincidence that so soon after its completion should he receive, during the last few weeks of his life, the tender ministrations of its nurses and modern facilities for treatment that he did so much to make possible.  He was also active in church circles, serving for many years as superintendent of the Congregational Sunday school and was identified with Masonic work as well, being a member of  Norwich lodge no. 302, Harmony Chapter No. 151 and Norwich Commandery No. 46.  He was also a member of the American Chemical Society and of the American Pharmaceutical Association.

In the broader walks of Pharmaceutical life, he was a figure of national prominence, filling among many other offices, the dual role of president, for two years, of the American Drug manufacturer's Association, made up of the leading pharmaceutical houses of the country, the presidency of which is regarded by many as the highest pharmaceutical honor in the United States, and as president of the Associated Industries of New York state, made up of two thousand or more Empire state industries, representing a capitalization of one and one-half billion dollars, and a pay roll of ninety thousand employees.

Among the lesser offices to which he gave much of his energy and wisdom during the past few trying years, have been director and vice president of the National Association of Manufacturers of Medicinal Products, director of the State Industrial Safety Council, member of Advisory Council of the State industrial commission, member of the council of National Defense, national counsellor to the United State Chamber of Commerce, etc.

His natural qualifications fitted him to become a leader in the industrial world and his close study of conditions, his sympathetic comprehension of the other man's viewpoint, his unfailing geniality and his democratic, unassuming ways earned for him the respect and good will of leaders in industry everywhere.

By his own efforts he climbed to the pinnacle of his life's ambition, occupying not only a commanding position in the pharmaceutical world, but what was, to him, of far greater importance, viz. enjoying the respect, confidence and esteem of his neighbors and associates and of a nationwide circle of warm friends.

Besides his legion of friends, Mr. Stofer is survived by his wife, one son, Dr. M. Webster Stofer, and one daughter, Miss Helen Stofer.  The funeral services of the late Richard C. Stofer, president of The Norwich Pharmacal company, were held Monday afternoon. the body was taken to the First Congregational church at 1:30 o'clock where all were given the opportunity to view the remains. The services at the church were held at 2:30 and interment was made in Mt.  Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Business houses and manufacturing plants were closed between the hours of 2:30 and 3:30 o'clock.  The large attendance at the services gave evidence of the high esteem in which the deceased was held in this city.