John Ryckman Walbridge ’42

John, the son of Ernest A. Walbridge ’15, died Oct. 21, 2006, in Babylon, N.Y., after a long and happy life.

Having prepared at Deerfield Academy, John was a history major at Princeton and a member of Quadrangle Club. Early in our senior year he joined the Army 10th Armored Division, served two years in Europe, received the Bronze Star for valor, and was discharged as a captain.

John’s distinguished career in marine insurance was with the Insurance Co. of North America in its New York office. Starting as ocean cargo underwriter and progressing through management, he retired in 1981 as senior marine vice president and CEO of Inamar Ltd., a British subsidiary.

John donated his time, talent, and treasure to his schools and community as chairman of the Deerfield Alumni Fund, regional chairman of Princeton Annual Giving, and director of his local chapter of the American Red Cross, among other affiliations.

In 1946 John married Michelle “Mims” Kelley. Not only did they have Robert ’71, John, Michelle, Ben, and Louise, they enjoyed watching them grow and share their avocations — tennis, swimming, and “beaching.” Sadly Mims died three years ago.

To John’s sister, Dorothy; his children; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; the class offers deepest condolences.