John Purdy Benedict ’47

Jack died Mar. 7, 1995. He had suffered a stroke and a major heart attack in 1990. He lived in Essex Falls, N.J.

Jack's career at Princeton was interrupted for service in the Seabees during WWII. He returned to Princeton in 1946 and resumed his pursuit of a degree in mechanical engineering.

After graduation he spent a year as a trainee in a heat-treating plant in Pittsburgh. In 1951 he joined his family's business, Benedict-Miller, and remained with it until 1990, when he retired as president and CEO.

Sailing small boats was one of his lifetime interests, and he was instrumental in reviving Princeton sailing. In 1956 he married Anne Lewis.

Jack served as president of the Metal Treating Institute, the Industrial Management Assn., and the New York chapter of the Steel Service Institute. His work on behalf of these professional institutions, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Essex Falls, and other community organizations, along with his spare-time activities (tennis and pingpong as well as sailing) made for a full and contented life.

Princeton, too, was also a part of that life. Jack enjoyed his association with our class and, although severely handicapped by his illnesses, attended our 45th reunion.

To Anne and to their children, Anne, Betsey, and John, we extend our sincere sympathy.

The Class of 1947