Charles Alstin Smith ’59

Chuck Smith died at home Sept. 24, 2007, of cancer. Born in New York City, Chuck spent his youth in New Jersey and attended Scotch Plains High School, where he played baseball and football. At Princeton, Chuck played freshman and JV football, ate at Cannon Club, joined WPRB, concentrated in electrical engineering, and participated in the Keycept program.  After graduation he fulfilled his Navy ROTC commitment by serving as engineering officer aboard the destroyer John W. Weeks in the Mediterranean. He was especially proud to have served in the Navy; the "Navy Hymn" was sung at his memorial service. After the Navy, Chuck earned an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School and embarked on a career in corporate finance and manufacturing. He worked for several major companies during what he described in our 25th-reunion yearbook as his "pursuit of excellence." He retired in 2002. As his children grew up, Chuck coached youth sports ("boys and, never again, girls"). Later, he enjoyed traveling and golf. He was an active member of the Mason (Ohio) United Methodist Church, where he served as a communion steward. Chuck is survived by Sandy, his wife of 45 years; his sons, Timothy and Christopher; a daughter, Heather Smith-Gorain; and five grandchildren.