David Richardson Upson ’36

He grew up in St. Louis, where he attended St. Louis Country Day. His father was Walter L. Upson 1899. He had an older brother, Joseph E. ’33, and two Princeton uncles, all deceased.  

Dave majored in biology and was on the freshman soccer squad. He belonged to Court Club.

After attending Harvard Business School, Dave worked for American Brass Co. in Torrington, Conn. With war looming, he trained as a “90-day wonder” and became an ensign. He traveled the world as navigator of a troopship, and separated in 1945 as a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve.

Dave worked for Torrington Manufacturing Co. until 1951, when he moved to Cleveland to work for Upson-Walton Co. He enjoyed most his time as manager of the Marine division, which sold and delivered supplies to the ore-boat fleets on the Great Lakes. In 1969 he purchased an employment agency that he operated until retirement.

In 2005, Dave lost his wife of 53 years, the former Clara Comey Tracy. He is survived by his sons, David Jr., Jonathan, and Christopher; daughters Florence Upson and Leigh Romano; and seven grandchildren. We regret the loss of this multitalented and consummate gentleman.