James Edward D’Itri ’75

Jim died suddenly on Sept. 21, 2020. He was born in Midland, Pa., where his father served as chief of police. Before entering Princeton, Jim graduated from The Kiski School, near Pittsburgh.

At Princeton, Jim studied electrical engineering, earning a B.S.E degree. Jim was an integral part of the Princeton Rugby Club and lived in Holder Tower with his teammates. They remember him as a fierce competitor, ready to jump into any loose ruck. He always had his teammates' backs, and he welcomed new players warmly. He is remembered as a superb storyteller, whose singing voice steadily improved during the course of every post-match party.

Jim was an active and loyal member of Tiger Inn. A regular at the bridge table and the pool table, he was always ready to join Trees and Trolls. He was the leader of many adventurous escapades and an enthusiastic participant in many more. Jim was vice president of TI during our senior year.

After Princeton, Jim earned an M.B.A. from Northwestern University and began a long, successful career in health care consulting. He worked for Arthur Anderson, First Consulting Group, and CSC during that time.

Jim met Celeste Ruggeri growing up in Midland, and they began a lifelong love affair. Celeste was a frequent visitor to Princeton, and Jim's friends came to know her as well. They were married for more than forty years. Jim and Celeste raised two sons, Vincent and James, Jr., and two daughters, Elizabeth and Christen. They were blessed with seven grandchildren: Hunter, Sebastian, Estella, Barrett, Palmer, Finnegan, and Bella, who all lovingly referred to Jim as “Puppa.”

Following retirement, Jim planning and taking elaborate trips to Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii with Celeste. A summer vacation at Hilton Head Island was part of the annual family calendar. Jim played golf regularly with his son Vincent and his many friends. He stayed in close touch with classmates, and wherever he traveled, he loved meeting them to remember old times and make new memories. He never lost his love of music, and he created special CDs that included songs from our college years, notably Average White Band, Tower of Power, and Chicago, mixed with Princeton's a cappella singing groups.

In every aspect of his life, from rugby to travel, from food and wine to golf, from enjoying time with his friends and, most important, with his family, our friend Jim D'Itri lived his life to the fullest. He will be missed.

Undergraduate Class of 1975