Charles A. Merlini ’66

Chuck excelled as a student and athlete at Great Neck (N.Y.) North High School on Long Island, starring in football, track, and swimming. He followed his brother Bill ’63 to Princeton, where he continued his athletic and academic success. He was an outstanding player on an outstanding football team, which went undefeated in 1964-65 — the Tigers’ last undefeated season. He waited tables in Commons, belonged to Tiger Inn, and served as a Chapel deacon. His major was a bridge of religion and English.

While at Princeton, Chuck married Leigh Ross, who survives him. After graduation he enrolled in Harvard Business School, earning his M.B.A. in 1968. He began his business career with Foote Cone & Belding in Manhattan and later worked in the real estate field. In his final career change he moved to the Berkshires in Massachusetts and took a job as a landscape laborer. He continued happily and successfully in that work until the day the aneurysm struck.

The class mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars and extends its condolences to Leigh; his children, Kate and Richard; Bill; and the extended family.