Eric A. Ordway ’71

Eric died July 9, 2023, in Norwalk, Conn., of pancreatic cancer.

He came to Princeton from the Browning School in Manhattan. He was an actor at Theatre Intime, roomed with Camp and Kern, and majored in politics. He met his future life partner Kate during junior-year-abroad studies in Paris. Their long-distance relationship to Smith culminated with marriage after graduation.

Returning to Paris, Eric studied music, then earned a master’s degree in Latin American studies at New York University before becoming (with Kate) an inspiring teacher and dean at Browning for 10 years. He switched careers and completed Brooklyn Law School.

Eric then began a renowned career in international law at Weil, Gotshal, & Manges, taking advantage of his multilingual and interpersonal skills. He exhibited selflessness and multiple talents throughout his life: professionally as a specialist in international arbitration and advocate for social justice at the Vance Center and the United Nations, and personally as a professional jazz pianist, art collector, New York sports fan, and raconteur.

Eric always prioritized his family (wife Kate, sons Demian, Nick ’02, and John), establishing a nurturing life for them in suburban Westport, Conn. The class extends its condolences to his family and friends.