Charles Wood Dithrich ’44

Charlie died Oct. 20, 2005, in Edgeworth, Pa., outside his native Pittsburgh.

A first-grade teacher couldn't get him to write with his right hand instead of his left, but he made the first "A" honors list at Sewickley Academy, shone at Mercersburg Academy, and was a member of the soccer team and Cannon Club at Princeton. He joined the field artillery in 1943, serving as a first lieutenant in two European campaigns. He returned to complete his English degree in 1947, then earned a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a military lawyer in the Korean War.

Charlie became corporate counsel for Rockwell Standard and later vice president of corporate law for Fisher Scientific Co. He also served more than 20 years on the Borough of Edgeworth Council, including as council president. In his career and private life, he was hailed as "a softspoken man of humility who was trustworthy, dependable, and selfless." He loved jazz and singing, and was a member of the Edgeworth Club, Harvard-Yale-Princeton Club, and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

Charlie is survived by Anne, his wife of 54 years; sons Charles W. Jr., Brown, and William; a daughter, Elizabeth Halcomb; and seven grandchildren. We offer our sincere condolences.

The Class of 1944