MADISON - Worth Edward Vaughan, a beloved husband, father, dedicated academic, and legendary bridge player, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the age of 89, following a courageous battle with advanced cancer.

Worth was born on February 1, 1936, in New York City and spent his formative years growing up in Tenafly, N.J. From a young age, he demonstrated a sharp intellect and a passion for learning, consistently ranking near the top of his class. This intellectual curiosity led him to Oberlin College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. More significantly, it was at Oberlin that he met his future wife, Diane, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. Driven by his dedication to science, Worth continued his graduate studies at Princeton University, where he attained both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry, establishing the foundation for a distinguished career in academia.

Following his doctoral studies, Worth joined the faculty at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he would dedicate 40 years of his life to teaching, mentorship, and cutting-edge research. It was in Madison that he and Diane were married in 1969. As a Professor, Worth specialized in Physical Chemistry, with a particular focus on dielectric properties and molecular behavior. His research contributed significantly to the field, resulting in nearly 60 published papers and several valuable patents. He was a dedicated educator, teaching both fundamental undergraduate courses and advanced graduate seminars, influencing generations of students who valued his rigorous approach and clear instruction.

Beyond his professional life, Worth was renowned in the world of competitive bridge. His skill at the game was extraordinary; he was the first player in the Madison area to achieve the prestigious Life Master status nearly 60 years ago. Worth was a well-known expert, not only within local clubs and tournaments but also among national experts, frequently winning or placing highly in top-flite events. His mastery culminated in achieving Platinum Life Master status, and he crossed the significant milestone of 15,000 masterpoints early in 2025. He often partnered with many strong players, but most frequently with his wife, Diane, who is also a Platinum Life Master. Known for his dry, understated humor, Worth's wit was a signature presence at the bridge table and shone through in the "Review Please" bridge column he regularly authored for the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan ACBL bridge unit.

Worth had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and cherished his annual canoe trips to the pristine wilderness of Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, shared with his colleagues from the Chemistry Department. An avid golfer, he captured the title of the "Greater Chemistry Open" in 1986. He was also a devoted fan of all Wisconsin sports. In the home, he had a talent for cooking, enjoyed music (especially from the ‘30s and ‘40s) and possessed a brilliant mind for puzzles, consistently mastering challenging crossword and sudoku grids.

Worth is survived by his beloved wife, Diane, and their son, as well as three of Diane’s children from a previous marriage. He leaves behind a legacy of scientific excellence, competitive spirit, dry humor, and a lifetime dedicated to his family and the academic community.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Worth Vaughan

February 01, 1936 - January 03, 2026

Share photos of Worth