John Sprague ’52

John came to us from Middlesex, majored in chemistry, and ate at Colonial. He played tennis and squash, and was in the Glee Club, Chemistry Club, the Flying Club, and NROTC. His roommates were Bill Baillargeon, Kirk Parrish, and John Winton.

John served four years in the Navy and then earned a Ph.D. in chemistry at Stanford. His career was spent at the Sprague Electric Co., founded by his father, Robert. John rose to become CEO of the firm. Its building is now the site of Mass MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the country. His particular interest outside the office and lab was the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, of which he was for many years the CEO. He wrote a history of that organization. He was a figure of importance on the boards of several companies and a leader of charities in his hometown of Williamstown, Mass.

John died July 5, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Jid, and their children, John Jr., William, Catherine, and David. To them the class sends its best, with respect for John’s exemplary life and service to our country.