John W. Milton ’57

John’s enthusiasms seemed unending. Each enthusiasm was accompanied by a mix — uniquely and recognizably his — of joy, earnestness, dedication, the acquisition of expertise, and wonder. Their variety itself was a wonder. They included guitar playing, elective politics (county commissioner and Minnesota state senator), president of a small manufacturer, executive of some large businesses, farmer, nonprofit boards, cooking, travel guide to Spain, marriage (five times), and classical music. But most of all was writing, first identified as a talent by his fourth-grade teacher but not indulged until his family bread-winning responsibilities had abated when he was in his 60s. His major book was a fictional biography of the early 20th-century Spanish pianist Enrique Granados. He wrote a biography of a Minnesota state political leader he admired, and two novels based on his political activities in the state.

John came to Princeton from St. Paul Academy in Minnesota. He was a Woodrow Wilson School major, a member of Quadrangle Club and Whig-Clio, and vice chairman of The Daily Princetonian. Lister Hill was his senior year roommate. John later initiated and organized the class Spanish mini-reunion. His father, for whom he was named, was in the Class of 1927.

John died July 3, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Maureen Acosta; five children; two stepchildren; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.