Edward D. Gladstone ’55

Ed, whose commercial insurance work evolved into a second career making fine furniture and classic wooden toys, died Oct. 3, 2023, at his home in West Hartford, Conn. He was born May 3, 1933, in the Bronx and graduated from Peekskill Military Academy.

At Princeton, he joined Elm Club and majored in history and the American Civilization Program. He was involved with Whig-Clio, Theatre Intime, and the Christian Science Organization. His senior-year roommates were Ben Zelenko and Frank Horowitz. Ed was married June 7, 1955, immediately after graduation. He was drafted shortly afterward and served in the Army for four years.

In 1959, he began 36 years of work with The Travelers Insurance Co. He also learned to make fine furniture and classic wooden toys, often with his wife, Elaine, helping hand finish intricately turned pieces. Ed was a member of the Woodworkers Guild of Connecticut and sold his work at craft centers and small galleries in Connecticut and Florida.

He loved creating great clouds of sawdust in his basement workshop; spending time with his family; serving as a tireless volunteer at his church, local schools, and a land trust; and assisting incarcerated men.

Ed was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Elaine. He is survived by sons Richard ’81 *87 and David.