Gerhard F. Simmel ’51

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Gerry came to Princeton from the Oakwood School in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He majored in modern languages. He was a member of the Princeton Photo Service, a photographer for the Nassau Sovereign, and part of the German and French clubs. He roomed with Rudy Huszagh.

After Princeton, Gerry served in the Marines, then worked as a photographer, journalist, and editor for United Press International in New York, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Hong Kong for 20 years. He was the editor for The Asia Magazine before joining Burston-Marsteller’s international public relations firm in its Asian operations office. Returning to the United States, Gerry retired in Sonoma, Calif. He was active in establishing the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.

Gerry died Feb. 23, 2026. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret, and survived by his children Derek, George, and Miriam.

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