Hudson Stoddard ’44

Hud died Oct. 2, 2017, in New Canaan, Conn. He was an original Nassoon, played lacrosse, and was a member of Tower Club, Madison Debating, Glee Club, and Triangle Club. He graduated with honors from the School of Public and International Affairs and served as class president. His roommates included Jim Affleck, Jim Bell, Alex Ardrey, Frank Gentes, Alan Watson, Hugh Peterson, and Ben Gantt.

After serving with the State Department’s Courier Service, he joined Time Inc. as assistant to the publisher of Life Magazine, spending bachelor vacations traveling the world with classmate Bill Zinsser.

In 1965, he joined then-new public TV station WNET as vice president for development, having previously worked under John D. Rockefeller III as development director of Lincoln Center.

In New Canaan he served on the school board, the town council, and other nonprofit boards, and was an elder and choir member of the Presbyterian Church.

A lengthy New York Times obituary referred to his “sunny disposition, sense of humor, and innate kindness.” WNET’s chairman called him “a gifted member of our community.”

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pat; children Daniel, Alexander, and Jane; and three grandchildren.