Alexander Van Rensselaer Halsey ’51

Sandy was born in New York City and came to Princeton after graduating from The Hill School. An economics major, he was a member of varsity crew, Orange Key, and Ivy Club. He roomed with John Ehrenclou, Ashton Harvey, and Charles Highley.  

Sandy entered the Navy, serving a four-year stint as an ensign, touring Korea, and traveling around the world. After, he began a career in finance at Smith Barney that launched him into operations and data processing on Wall Street. He went on to work at J.P. Morgan and U.S. Trust Co. at a propitious time. He helped to create the foundational electronic networks that power financial systems and introduced Europe to automated banking operations.  

Nature and fishing were his passions. With a home base in Locust, N.J., he traveled to Africa eight times and spent summers in the Adirondacks and winters in Hawaii. In 2021, he moved to Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. 

Sandy died March 5, 2026. He was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Martha. He is survived by his children, Cynthia, Ann, and David; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.