Claude R. Engle III ’60

Claude came to Princeton from the Landon School for Boys in Bethesda, Md., with a calling to electrical engineering and the theater. With us, he surrendered his interest in performance, instead going into stage managing, technical direction, and especially lighting. He became lighting designer and stage manager for Triangle Club and technical director for both Theatre Intime and the Savoyards. He also coxed the 150-pound crew for two years. In his hours at Quadrangle, he installed the finest sound system on Prospect Avenue.

Claude went directly into theatrical design in New York. After two years of Army service, he undertook exterior architectural lighting design work exclusively and worked for 50 years with many leading U.S. and international architects. A few of the most notable of Claude’s design projects are the Louvre Pyramid, Paris; the Reichstag, Berlin; the Millau Viaduct, France; the British Museum and Millennium Bridge, London; and One World Trade Center, New York City.

In retirement, he and Francine enjoyed travel to their widely spread family and the cultural life of Sarasota. He also became conductor of Kennebunkport’s Seashore Museum Trolley, especially popular with the kids for his railroad stories and songs — and still performing magic tricks.

Claude died Dec. 3, 2023. He is survived by Francine and their shared five children and 10 grandchildren. Our condolences to them all.