George J. Sella Jr. ’50

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George, one of Princeton’s great athletes, died Jan. 25, 2022, in his home state of New Jersey. He was 93, ironically the number he wore in Charlie Caldwell 1925’s single-wing offense and on three HYP championship teams.

Coming from Cliffside Park (N.J.) High School, he earned a chemical engineering degree and belonged to Cap and Gown. As captain of the 1949 football team and three-year mainstay of the basketball team, he was recipient of many University awards. He was voted by the class as having “Done the Most for Princeton.” In 1984, he was elected an alumni trustee.

An All-America football mention and drafted by the Chicago Bears, George chose to enter Harvard Law School. Graduating in 1952, he served two years in the Air Force as a procurement officer. He then joined American Cyanamid, with whom he eventually became CEO. He was on many boards and retired in 1993.

George enjoyed tending his garden and greenhouse, fishing at the Jersey Shore, and playing on the beach with his children and grandchildren. He held dear his annual Sella family egg hunt, which he hosted at his home for more than 40 years.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Janet; five children; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

 

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