Woodward, Roland M.: 1991

Roland M. Woodward, 74, a microbiologist and curator of a Lancaster County agricultural museum, died Thursday on his family farm in Popcopson after a short illness.

 

Born in Thornbury Township, Chester County, he was the son of Leon G. and Bertha McCullough Woodward. He graduated from West Chester High School in 1936; received his bachelor of science degree in bacteriology from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1940, and attended graduate school in bacteriology at Rutgers University.

 

In 1941, he joined the medical research division of Sharp & Dohme, where he worked on clinical applications of penicillin. He was part of a five-member research team that discovered a mechanism to make penicillin more effective, leading to its widespread use.

 

He later worked in medical research with Baker Chemical Co.; Smith Kline & French, and Wyeth Laboratories. In 1954, he joined the staff of New Bolton Center, associated with the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, where he worked as a clinical microbiologist.

 

In 1959, Mr. Woodward started Kennett Laboratories Inc., a commercial clinical and testing laboratory that he directed until his death.

 

Mr. Woodward was a member, past president and longtime secretary of the Kennett Square Rotary Club. He was also a member of Brandywine Grange for more than 50 years.

 

He maintained lifelong interests in antique farm equipment, old cars and agricultural history. He was active with the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association in Kinzers, a Lancaster County agricultural museum. He served on the board of directors and was its curator at the time of his death. He was a member of the Home and Farm Antique Association of Chester County.

 

He is survived by his sons, Roland H. and Stephen B.; three granddaughters; his former wife, Mary C. Woodward; a brother, and a sister.

 

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at Birmingham Friends Meetinghouse, Birmingham Township, Pa.

 

Funeral services and interment will be private.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association, Kinzers, Pa. 17535; the Brandywine Conservancy, Routes 1 and 100, Chadds Ford, Pa. 19317; or Neighborhood Hospice, Suite 204, 795 E. Marshall St., West Chester, Pa. 19380.1