We lost an outstanding classmate when John died Jan. 4, 2009.  

At Princeton he majored in history, belonged to Cap and Gown Club, and was a member of Princeton’s undefeated football teams in 1950 and 1951.  

After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1955, serving in the Navy, and briefly practicing law, John joined Manufacturers Trust Co. in 1958. He became president of Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. in 1971 and chairman eight years later.  

In 1991 he became chairman and CEO of Chemical Bank following its merger with his firm. John played leading roles in resolving funding crises of New York City and Chrysler, and was an adviser to Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush on fiscal policy. He was a director of at least 12 companies.  

John was a charter trustee of Princeton and worked on many other civic, charitable, educational, and religious causes before and after retiring. He was an avid and competitive golfer and a follower of other sports, especially college football.

John is survived by his wife, Conna; their children Sean, Faith Benoit, Erin Mills, Brian, and John; and by six grandchildren. Our class extends its deepest condolences to them all.

Undergraduate Class of 1952