George Lewis Petring ’53

Lew, who had schizophrenia, died Nov. 11, 2011, in Chesterfield, Mo. He was 80, and his death was confirmed by his guardian, Thomas M. Tebbetts.

Lew entered Princeton from John Burroughs School, where he played football, soccer, and sang in the glee club with close friends Dave Sisler and Chuck Thies. They roomed together as Princeton freshmen and were joined by Fred Tritschler for the remaining three years. Lew’s discipline was history, and his thesis, “Economic History of Coffee in Brazil,” was fitting because his father owned the H.P. Coffee Co. in St. Louis, and he intended to join the family business. He took his meals at Cottage Club, and music was his principal interest. He managed the University Glee Club his junior year and was its president as a senior.

Fred Tritschler recalls that Lew was quiet, kept his dorm room desk against the wall, and maintained a good sense of humor. Lew never married nor did his brother, William ’50, who also had schizophrenia, according to Tebbetts. Chuck Thies visited Lew regularly during his confinement to nursing homes.

Lew was a big St. Louis Cardinals booster. It is hoped that he was aware of the Cards winning the 2011 World Series.