John Richard Hackworth, Associate Professor Emeritus and former director of Old Dominion University’s Electrical Engineering Technology program, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 76.
He was a triple graduate of ODU, having earned an Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology (1970), a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (1975) and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (1990).
He worked for over 20 years in test engineering and plant automation at General Electric in Portsmouth. Upon the closing of the G.E. facility, he transitioned to employment with the Modern Machine & Tool Co. in Newport News.
In 1988, Hackworth joined ODU as a faculty member and later became the Electrical Engineering Technology Program Director.
He led initiatives ranging from microcontroller training systems to closed-cycle centrifugal blasting technology advancements. His expertise spanned electrical machines, controls, digital systems, and PLCs. He co-authored two textbooks, which have been widely used in electrical engineering technology programs across the United States.
Throughout his career at ODU, Hackworth received multiple awards and honors, including the University Professor designation (2000), the Most Inspiring Faculty award (1999, 2004), the Excellence in Advising Award (2003) and several Outstanding Faculty Awards from Tau Alpha Pi.
"John and I served as program directors for our respective programs—John for Electrical Engineering Technology and I for Mechanical Engineering Technology—during the same years," said Gary Crossman, former chair of the Department of Engineering Technology.
“In this respect, we were very close as well as being good friends,” Crossman said. “John's hands-on experience helped me solve practical electrical problems in my laboratory courses at ODU and in my own home. John could always be counted on to point me in the right direction. He will be missed.”
Hackman officially retired in 2016 but continued to teach as an adjunct faculty member.
According to his obituary, he was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, where he had served as treasurer since 1984. He was also a gifted musician, seasoned traveler, licensed pilot, Eagle Scout and proud foster parent.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Rose Dion Hackworth; sons, Keith Hackworth (Cindy), Kenneth Hackworth (Jenni), and Russell Hackworth; siblings, Cindy Howland and Fred (Butch) Hackworth II; and numerous grandchildren.