Richard Drysdale; High-Tech Expert

Richard M. Drysdale, a high-technology expert who founded American Research & Development Inc. and served as its chairman, has died after what was described as a long illness. He was 60.

Drysdale died Wednesday in Los Angeles, his family announced.

Since 1975, Drysdale had also operated his own venture capital fund, Westwood Management, in Beverly Hills.

Educated at Lafayette University’s School of Business, Drysdale began his career with Xerox Corp., becoming president of its educational division.

Drysdale is survived by two daughters--Leslie Delgado of Ojai and Anne Woodward of Los Angeles--and five grandchildren.