Ariel died at home in Washington, D.C., of colon cancer on Sept. 23, 2000. Never one to dwell on illness, he sustained his family and friends with his gusto for life and incredible integrity. He was admired at Princeton and beyond for his continental savoir faire and grace.
Born in Lisbon as his parents fled the Nazi invasion of Paris, he lived in New Orleans and Mexico before returning to France in 1948. His father's business and a deep connection to their adoptive America kept the family shuttling between Paris and NYC. Ariel graduated from the Lycee Francaise in NYC.
Ariel's life was wonderfully multicultural, multilingual, and ecumenical. His passions included his 32-year career at USIA's office of research, his family, and languages. Ariel relished not fitting the mold - a Lycee boy in Tiger Inn, a slow driver in a green Corvette dubbed Frogie. He was a parent who believed in and delighted his children, a Frenchman who loved America and served it with honor.
Ariel leaves his wife of 23 years, Joan, their four children, Thomas Glade, Julia Glade Bender, Stephanie Brun de Pontet, and Philippe de Pontet '63, and six grandchildren. His sister, Joelle, and father, Dr. Andre Brun de Pontet, live in Paris. His first wife, Lorraine Baillargeon, died in 1975.
The Class of 1962