H. Coleman Tily ’40

The class and other Princetonians will be saddened by Coley Tily’s death on Nov. 2, 1998. An unusually strong advocate for ’40 and the university, he received the Alumni Award for Service in 1982. He capped his energetic efforts for Princeton when appointed to the Alumni Council as chairman of the Schools Committee. Earlier he had been head of the West Jersey Schools Committee, where in one year 28 out of 30 applicants matriculated. In 1975 Coley formed the Princeton Club of New Mexico and once again ran the local committee through which 15 out of 19 admits were enrolled.

Coley conducted an unusual law practice as senior counsel for RCA-Victor Records. During this period he negotiated contracts with Elvis Presley, Arturo Toscanini, Van Cliburn, and Vladimir Horowitz.

Retiring in 1970, he soon became involved in crime prevention and founded Crime Stoppers Intl. with more than 900 community programs.

Coley attended Lower Merion H.S. and earned a law degree from Penn. Practice in Philadelphia was followed by Air Corps service.

He is survived by son Gil ’76, two daughters, brother William E. ’46, nephew William S. ’64, five grandchildren, and a great-grandson. ’40 shares their grief at the loss of this modest, caring Princetonian who accomplished so much for his community and fellow citizens.

The Class of 1940