The class and the university lost a loyal member Jan. 6, 2003, when Gene died of coronary failure following a brief illness.
Gene was a graduate of the Naval Academy, Class of '56, and in the tradition of that institution, truly was an officer and a gentleman. After a stellar career in the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps, Gene retired and joined Princeton's administration in 1976 as general manager of plant. He became vice president for facilities in 1983, and served in that capacity with distinction until he retired in 1999. In those last 16 years, especially, Gene oversaw the university's physical planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, real estate, and services departments, and presided over a period of extraordinary physical growth on the campus.
An honorary member of our class since 1983, Gene and his wife, Elaine, regularly attended Reunions and other class events. Since joining our class, Gene was a loyal dues payer and supporter of our AG efforts, remarking more than once how proud he was "to be associated with this place." That sentiment ran both ways: We were proud to be associated with Gene. His many friends will miss him greatly.
Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Elaine; daughter and son-in-law Lynn and Michael Horan; and their children, Catherine and Brendan.
The Class of 1954