George Wallace Ruckert ’30

The class lost one of its most devoted members when Wally died Dec. 21, 2003. He was 95. Serving as class secretary almost until his death, Wally had also served as class president.

He graduated from Westfield [N.J.] HS, where he was on the publication board, and the track and debate teams. At Princeton he was on the scrub football and track teams, and served as treasurer of Cloister. He roomed with Gordon Gavan his junior and senior years. During WWII, Wally joined the Army and completed 20 years in the Reserve, retiring as a colonel. After the war he joined the fundraising firm of Mart and Lundy, which raised money for churches and organizations nationwide.

He retired to his home on Cape Cod in 1973. There he was widely known for his myriad community activities, including two terms as selectman, and a stint as town moderator. According to Orleans Town Clerk Lillian Lamperti, "When he sunk his teeth into something, he stuck with it."

Wally attended every reunion save one. His extensive service to the University was recognized in 1993, when he received the Princeton Alumni Council Award for Service.

Wally's wife, Betty, died in 1983 after 53 years of marriage. He is survived by four daughters, Ann Ruckert, Susan H. Owens, Martha R. Williams, and Jane R. McLean; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a niece and nephew.

The Class of 1930