Lionel R. Jacobs Jr. ’75

Lionel died June 7, 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he attended Brooklyn Technical High School, one of the most competitive high schools in New York City for mathematics and the sciences. He entered Princeton with the Class of 1973. Freshman year he roomed with Billy Joe “Tex” Jackson and played on the undefeated freshman basketball team. Having grown up in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene section, Lionel was a real jazz aficionado, and he introduced Carlton Brown ’73 to many jazz clubs in the area. Lionel took a leave of absence from Princeton and returned to graduate in 1975 with a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

After earning a master’s degree from New York University, Lionel joined New Jersey Bell, pioneering fiber-optic implementation. He later moved to California, where he worked in the aerospace industry and went on to become a financial analyst and consultant.

Music was one of Lionel’s passions, and he played multiple instruments. He also loved to travel, particularly to Hawaii, where he found solace in the islands’ natural beauty.

Lionel is survived by his children, Khalisa and Qa’id; two grandchildren; sister Ethel Walker; and brother Bobby. The Class of 1973 joins us in offering condolences to Lionel’s family.