George Howe Wilder ’39

George died Dec. 26, 2006, in a Dayton, Ohio, hospital. He and his wife, Betty, had moved there only last year from their longtime home in West Orange, N.J.

George had had dementia for about nine years and, because he had no family nearby, Betty chose to move to Dayton, where she had support from her family.

George was on active duty with the Navy from 1941 to 1946, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander. An ordnance specialist, he was stationed primarily in Washington.

His career began with Chase National Bank in 1939, and he returned there after the war, handling tax-exempt bonds. Knowing he preferred business investment to banking, he joined Smith Barney in 1955 and stayed for 31 years, his final position being vice president of sales and management training. He told us that a highlight of his later years was the success of 15 outstanding Princeton graduates whom he recruited for Smith Barney.

George was a golfer and was president of the board of governors of the Essex County (N.J.) Country Club. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and collecting wine. He and Betty Bultman were married in 1967. Betty survives, and we offer her our sincere sympathy.