Edward C. White ’56

Eddie died Dec. 15, 2022, after a long illness.

Among the first Black students to attend Princeton, Eddie came to our class from Arts High School in Newark, N.J., already established as a musical performer. He played in the University orchestra and Band as well as the bass fiddle in Stan Rubin ’55’s Tigertown Five. He served as vice president of the orchestra and joined Terrace Club.

Eddie majored in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, presciently writing a thesis on “The Islamic State in the 20th Century.” This interest led to a Harvard master’s degree, studying Arabic in Cairo, and a distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service in East Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. In retirement, he picked up with his musical career with the Princeton Jazz Quintet, which performed regularly in Princeton and New York City.

Eddie was predeceased by his wife, Viola; and son Marc. He is survived by his son, Edward Jr. ’77; two brothers; a daughter-in-law; a granddaughter; and a great-granddaughter. All miss his wit, humor, and compassion.