Gordon Bent ’42

Gordy, brother of the late William Bent ’41, died Sept. 19, 2006, at home in Lake Forest, Ill. A graduate of The Hill School, at Princeton he majored in history and was a member of Cottage Club.

In World War II, Gordy served with distinction as an intelligence officer and aerial observer with the 36th Army Field Artillery. Involved in the capture of Rome, Gordy was a captain responsible for finding critically needed counterintelligence on German coastal defenses. For this and other services he performed, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Air Medal.

After the war, Gordy joined Bacon, Whipple & Co., an investment house where he soon became a partner. His industry positions included chairman of the Association of Stock Exchange Firms, governor of the Midwest Stock Exchange, and national governor of the National Association of Security Dealers.

Gordy co-founded two of Chicago’s finest restaurants, Jovan’s and Le Perroquet. He was a trustee of the Field Museum and director of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Gordy was preceded in death by his second wife, Marion Miller. In 1989 he married Joanie Betts, widow of Dave Betts ’45. Their blended family included eight children. Gordy had five grandchildren, 17 step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandchild. To them all, the class extends deepest condolences.