Donnelley Erdman ’60 *63

Grew up in Pasadena, ended up in Santa Barbara, with stops along the way in Boston, Houston, Aspen, et al. Attended Andover. Golden boy of Princeton’s architecture studio. Ivy Club. Shock of blond hair, arresting blue eyes. Graceful, mischievous, idiosyncratic. Ever youthful. Died April 25, 2024. Old age. Irreplaceable.

When Erds was around, something was always afoot, like launching his “rather more important” rocket from Holder Court. One spring break, when he couldn’t get to Florida, he brought Florida to 1879 Hall, complete with sand, sun lamps, and overflowing inflatable pool. No one was more fun to be with.

Already a pilot, sailor, and skier, Don became a distinguished architect and teacher at Rice University. A font of creativity, he never stopped illustrating, designing, and Photoshopping, bringing his great eye and impeccable taste and wit to everything he touched. His motto: “Always in error, never in doubt.”

He was drawn to novelty and innovation. Whatever the must-have gismo of the moment — camera, phone, shades, ski boots — Erdman was there first. Way before most, he was trolling the internet, chasing down vintage Fiesta dinnerware and citrus labels on eBay.

He was devoted to Cinda Wheeler Erdman, for 64 years his partner in crime, and delighted in their three kids, and then their kids.

Across all the years, Donnelley’s Princeton friends savored the warmth of his company, and his dazzling flair for life.