Joe was born Oct. 22, 1929, in Philadelphia, the son of Lawrence Benjamin and Ruth Brewster Howell.
A graduate of Morristown High School, he matriculated at Princeton in 1947, majored in biology, and belonged to the Republican Club and Court Club. He roomed with Marc Bodine, Dick Freeman, and George Kopperl. Called for a year of service in the Army Reserve, he graduated in 1952 but was always affiliated with ’51. Joe and Joanne Lawshe were married June 14, 1952, in Silver Spring, Md.
Joe spent the majority of his career with Reynolds Securities, which later evolved into Dean Witter Reynolds, and retired as vice president of investments after 28 years with the firm.
His community service alone over the years was noteworthy, but his dedication to Princeton was exceptional. He was our class treasurer for decades and our 40th-reunion chairman. Joe loved his family, his church, travel, and Dixieland jazz music. He could always be found by the sound of his infectious whistle.
A beloved friend and classmate, Joe died of heart failure June 2, 2012, at home in Basking Ridge, N.J. He is survived by Joanne; their children, Nancy Fletcher ’80, Ben, and Ted; Nancy’s husband, James R. Fletcher ’80; five grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.