Elmer B. Greey ’20

DESPITE HIS QUIET manner, Capt. Elmer B. Greey was one of the most active members of 1920, and in a variety of fields. He died Dec. 21, 1991. He graduated with a B.S. in civil engineering and joined the Matthews Construction Co., where he remained as V.P. until 1941.

Elmer fought in both world wars and was captured by the Japanese on Dec. 23, 194 1, four days after he had landed on Wake Island. He was not released until Aug. 1945. There is a story that he and his fellow Americans somehow procured an electric iron, which they concealed outside their window. When sent for by the Japanese, the Americans always appeared in smartly ironed uniforms. Their captors were impressed.

In 1941 Elmer was commissioned a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, and on his retirement he received the Legion of Merit.

Elmer was affiliated with Princeton, and was a justice of the peace. He was an active member of the Retired Officers Assn. and of the American Society of Civil Engineers, belonged to the Nassau Club, and served on the vestry of Trinity Church.

Elmer is survived by his widow, Mary Acuff Greey; son Elmer B. Jr.; four daughters; a sister; 21 grandchildren; and 33 greatgrandchildren. To each of them, the Class extends its deep sympathy.

The Class of 1920