John M. Coward ’46

JOHN DIED at home in Essex Fells, N.J., July 24, 1991, following a lengthy struggle against cancer, during which he never lost his zest for life or his sense of humor. Having missed our 40th reunion while courageously adapting to the handicaps from major surgery, he bravely signed up for the 45th, but a relapse just days before that gathering forced him back to the hospital.

The greatgrandson of the founder of Coward Shoe Company, John attended Montclair Academy and graduated from Hotchkiss. Entering Princeton in that memorable summer of 1942, he served for two years in the Third Army Division in Europe, returning to graduate cum laude as an economics major in 1948. He was a member of Quadrangle Club.

His professional career began at the bank of the Manhattan Co. in New York, which he subsequently left to found Coward Enterprises, an investment firm of which he was president until his retirement in 1987.

John was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of many organizations and causes, particularly on Martha's Vineyard, which he loved so, and where he and his wife, Pat, had recently built a new home.

Always a loyal and participating member of our Class, John served it with distinction, including as chairman of our grand 25th reunion.

John is survived by his widow, the former Patricia Lamborn; three sons, George Flynn, John, and David; four daughters, Patricia, Carroll, Elizabeth, and Sara; six grandchildren; his halfsister, Audrey; and his stepfather for 61 years, Lee W. Carroll. To each of them we extend our deepest sympathy, as we fondly recall this warm and kindly gentleman who enriched the lives of all who knew him.

The Class of 1946