Benedict Patrick Willis Jr. ’47

Ben died on May 19, 1988, in Rutherford, N.J., after a long battle with cancer. He lived in Rutherford all his life. We last saw Ben at our 40th reunion, when he and 18 members of his family joined us in the P-rade. Al¬though he did not return for many reunions, Ben loved Princeton and avidly followed its athletic teams. Before he died, he requested that "Old Nassau" be played as the recessional at his funeral Mass. At Princeton, he ma¬jored in history and was a member of Charter Club.

At his death, Ben was the director of the Office of Cultural and Historical Affairs of Bergen County. But his life was centered on his family. He and his wife Catherine (Kay) had six daughters and four sons, and he took great pride in their accomplishments; all ten attended college. His interest in education and community service led Kay and the children to establish a memorial scholarship in his name at Rutherford High School.

In addition to Kay and the children, Ben is survived by three grandchildren and three sisters. His brother Tom '46 predeceased him. To all the members of his family the class extends its heartfelt condolences on the loss of this true son of Princeton.

The Class of 1947