Henry Disston II ’47

After a long struggle with cancer, Henry died Feb. 14, 2006.

He was an engineer at Princeton, graduating in 1949 after service in the Air Corps. Henry married Elise Cosgrove of Grosse Point, Mich., the mother of his children, who, sadly, died in 1973. Happily, two years later he married the very lovely Mary Clay.

Henry was an officer at Henry Disston and Sons, Inc., a famous tool manufacturer in Philadelphia. Before retirement he was production manager at Brooks Instruments in suburban Philadelphia.

Music was an important part of Henry's life. For many years he sang with Philadelphia's famed Orpheus Club, and he was a tenor with the choir of St. Paul's Church in Chestnut Hill for 50 years — an unparalleled accomplishment. At Princeton he and classmate Ed Clay entered a singing competition sponsored by the music department. With a few hillbilly sons and an

audience packed with friends, the duo won first place on the applause meter. Wonderfully coordinated, Henry also excelled at sports. His wit and humor won him many friends.

To Mary; his children, Henry Jr., Michael, James, and Elisa; six grandchildren; and his sister, we offer our sincere sympathy.

The Class of 1947