Michael Grogan ’59

Michael, a 38-year resident of Darien, Conn., died April 21, 2024, at home from kidney failure. He was 86.

He came to us from Delbarton School, where he was valedictorian. At Princeton, he majored in history, writing his thesis on “Early New Jersey Political Parties.” He took meals at Court Club and was the associate managing editor on The Daily Princetonian. His senior-year roommate was George Dawson.

Following Naval Officer Candidate School, he spent some of his happiest years as a lieutenant on the USS Thomas J. Gary destroyer escort in the Atlantic and as a port operations officer in Saigon. After active service, he continued serving for many years in the Naval Reserves.

He worked in international banking for more than 30 years, primarily at Bankers Trust in New York, London, and Hong Kong. In later years, he taught at Norwalk Community College, and helped local underserved communities. He was a steadfast member of Saint Luke’s Parish.

As an alum, Mike served his Class of 1959 as vice president for more than a decade and was chairman of the Annual Giving effort for several years.,

Michael will be remembered for his dry wit, unflagging kindness, and independent mind. He is survived by his wife, Janet Fitzsimons; daughter Caroline and her husband Brennan; son John; and grandchildren, Caleb, Elizabeth, and Evan, to whom we send our condolences.