Richard Stager Weeks, a veteran editor, writer, and prominent figure in the marine construction industry, died on October 7, 2026, at the age of 73. Raised in Amityville, New Jersey, Weeks attended local public schools before earning a joint Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University in 1975. He subsequently completed an MBA at Harvard Business School in 1977.
Weeks embarked on a career at Weeks Marine, a family-founded business, becoming the fourth generation to join the company. Starting with summer work as a teenager at the Port Newark Yard, he eventually assumed leadership roles including president, CEO, and chair of the board. During his tenure, Weeks transformed the firm from a regional stevedoring company into a diversified international enterprise. The company expanded its operations to include dredging, construction, coastal restoration, marine transportation, tunneling, and aggregate sales. Under his guidance, Weeks Marine’s revenue grew from $7 million in 1977 to $1 billion by 2022, and its workforce increased from 100 to over 500 employees.
Weeks oversaw the company through significant national projects and crises. Weeks Marine played a crucial role in cleanup and recovery efforts following the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill in Louisiana, and Superstorm Sandy. The company also participated in the recovery of the fuselage from US Airways Flight 540, famously known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Notable construction ventures during his leadership included New York City’s Little Island, work on the Tappan Zee and Governor Mario Cuomo Bridges, tunneling for the Triboro-York City Land subway extension, the Pearl River Outfall, and the replacement of the Enterprise Space Shuttle exhibit at the Intrepid Museum.
Weeks was actively involved in industry organizations, receiving high honors from professional associations recognizing his contributions to heavy construction and marine operations. He was a member of the Dredging Contractors of America, the National Academy of Construction, and the Construction Industry Round Table. Beyond his business commitments, Weeks served on the boards of the New Jersey Marine Science Consortium, the New York Maritime Association, and the Waterfront Alliance.
In his community, Weeks was an elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon, New Jersey. He volunteered as an EMT with the New Vernon Rescue Squad for several years. Weeks also supported numerous charitable organizations, including Homeless Solutions Inc., the Afghan Girls Financial Assistance Fund—through which he helped several young women relocate to the United States for education and safety—and local youth programs like the Newark Boys and Girls Club.
Weeks faced advanced pancreatic cancer in his final months and participated in a clinical trial of darcararsasin, aiming to contribute to research that may benefit others. He spent his remaining time with family and friends, imparting his business knowledge and pursuing personal interests.
He is survived by his wife, Candace, their three children—Alexander Weeks, Catherine Weeks, and Richard Matthew Weeks—and five grandchildren. A celebration of his life is scheduled for October 24 at the First Presbyterian Church in New Vernon, with a reception to follow at the Basking Ridge Country Club. The family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Music Fund of the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon or the Newark Boys and Girls Club.