Francis W. Nelson ’39

Frank died Dec. 7, 2015, in Granville, Ohio. He was 97.

Frank interrupted his 15 years of living in Greenwich Village (from 1939 to 1954) to serve as a pilot in the Army Air Transport Command in Alaska. He began his lifelong career with Bristol Myers as co-pilot of the company airplane in 1946. He then worked in its international department and finished his 38 years with the company as manager of pricing and order services.

Frank once said that he had sung in every Gilbert & Sullivan operetta — “except the most obscure.” He met his wife, Edith, when they were both performing in the Village Light Opera Group. They were married for 62 years before her death in 2013.

Frank’s home before moving to Ohio was in Darien, Conn. He served his community in many ways, sang in several choirs, was active in sports, and was a driver for Meals on Wheels.

In 1979, Frank wrote, “At Princeton we were taught a healthy skepticism that has proved invaluable. We received a good foundation for the enjoyment of art, music, books, and sports.”

Frank is survived by two children and several grandchildren. To them, the class extends its sympathy.