David Woodruff Romig ’48
With the death of David Oct. 11, 2002, after a long battle with prostate cancer, the class lost a distinguished dominie. From undergraduate days through 50 years of ordained ministry, David's leadership and scholarship were enhanced by subtle wit, unflagging courage, and boundless curiosity. His prayers and sermons comforted, delighted, and challenged listeners with memorable phrases, polished gems of expression.
David served churches in Riverdale, N.Y., the Lower East Side of NYC, and for many years the Downtown United Presbyterian Church in Rochester, N.Y. He was the first of our class to be arrested for civil disobedience in the struggle for racial justice. Perhaps his proudest legacy was the founding of the Lower East Side Service Center in 1959, to this day a major force in the work to reduce addictions.
David was a graduate of Groton. At Princeton he won the Pyne Prize and the 1901 Medal. He served as chairman of the Undergraduate Council and president of the Student Christian Assn. He performed with Triangle, sang with the Nassoons, ran varsity track, and was a member of Ivy.
He is survived by Victoria, his wife of 51 years, their seven children, and his brother, Edgar '42. He is sorely missed.
The Class of 1948
Paw in print
November 2025
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Sarah Wheelers
3 Days AgoThoughtful Pastor
This pastor was so highly motivating and kind. He was like a breath of fresh air when he came to Brick Presbyterian Church when I was a teenager. He brought a gargoyle that had fallen off a building kin NYC and placed it in the garden. He made a person think. He loved his family and his church.