Charles L. Jaffin ’48

Charlie Jaffin was a stalwart of our class. He was always there for us, no matter the issue or circumstances. His lawyerly skills kept us out of trouble, and he led us as class president from 1968 to 1973. He was a genial and marvelous friend. His death Dec. 22, 2011, has left us the poorer.

Brooklyn born, Charlie was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. He came to Princeton in June 1944, joined Cannon, worked on The Daily Princetonian, and was a football manager. He graduated in February 1948, with high honors in S.P.I.A. and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Charlie’s career was in the law. He was editor of the Law Review at Columbia Law School. Carter, Ledyard & Millburn was his first affiliation. He then moved on to Lewis & MacDonald, where he facilitated a merger with Battle Fowler to form one of the leading law firms in the country. His interests were varied, and he attracted clients as varied as Cornelius Vanderbilt III, Richard Leakey, and Jackie Robinson.

Charlie was active in Princeton civic life and served on business boards. He was a creative gardener.

Charlie is survived by his widow, Rosanna; sons David and Jonathan ’77; daughters Rhoda ’80, Lora ’82, and Katherine ’85; and 11 grandchildren.