He was born in Mahwah, N.J., on May 12, 1916, the son of Thomas Scott and Arlene Weaver Widdicombe. He was married for almost 68 years to Elvira Guttila (Dittie) Widdicombe and had four sons: Richard P. (Martha), Peter R., Robert Jr. (deceased) and David B. Widdicombe. Also surviving is his brother Alan (Rosemarie), two grandsons, William (Maria) and Adrian, two great-grandsons, James and Robert, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Gordon (Florence), Richard (Mary), and Lee (Marjorie).

His career was in engineering and metallurgy. For many years, he was employed with Sigmund Cohn Corporation, specialists in precision wire. He then went on to establish the fine wire department at International Wire in Spartanburg and Inman. He became a founder of American Fine Wire in Selma, Ala., before retiring.

He served as a board member of the Westchester County Mental Health Association, White Plains, N.Y., the Tryon Dance Guild and the Tryon Little Theater. He was set construction manager and treasurer for the Tryon Little Theater.

For many years he participated in the Great Books Discussion Group in both White Plains, N.Y. and Tryon.

He was a member of Lan Yair Country Club of Spartanburg, Selma Country Club, and a founder of the Tryon Men&squo;s Golf Association of the Tryon Country Club.

An online guest register can be signed for the family at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel of&bsp; Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, N.C.&bsp; 28722 or a charity of choice.

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