Alfred G. Piranian ’69 *74

Al, aerospace engineer, aviator, and loyal Princetonian, died in a small-plane crash Feb. 24, 2022.

Al grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Germantown Academy. At Princeton he rowed on the lightweight crew (then served as one of the first coaches of the varsity women’s crew after graduation and for decades as treasurer of the Princeton University Rowing Association), ate at Campus, served as Chapel watchman, and was active in the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship. He majored in aerospace engineering and earned a MSE from Princeton in 1974.  His friends describe him as loyal, sincere, committed, and always ready with a big smile. Al enjoyed returning to Old Nassau and hardly ever missed a reunion.

His lifelong interest in flying led to a 48-year career in the Navy. Al worked as a senior aerodynamicist on the design of the F-14, F-18, and F-35, and chaired the NATO Air Armament Working Group. Following his retirement, Al devoted his time to his family and his church, and as a flight instructor he helped others develop the love of flying that so motivated him. 

He was a proud and involved husband, father, and grandfather. Al is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Jeannette; his five children, Edward ’96, Heidi ’97, Karen, Lori ’06, and Lisa; their spouses; and 15 grandchildren.