Neil Thomas Grasso ’83

Neil died Oct. 2, 1998, from complications arising from leukemia. A New Jersey native, Neil came to Princeton from Paramus H.S. At Princeton, Neil was president of Charter Club and president of the InterClub Council. He received his AB from the Woodrow Wilson School.

Neil went on to earn a master's in political science at the U. of California, Berkeley. He began his career with local government in Fremont, Calif. He later became assistant city manager of Newark, Calif. In recent years, Neil combined his dedication to civic life with his passion for the environment, serving as finance director of the East Bay Regional Parks District.

Neil's achievements were all the greater considering that they were accomplished while he fought a 12-year battle against Hodgkin's disease. While this illness would ultimately lead to his tragic death, his courage and determination led him to a richly fulfilling public and private life. He married Beth Schoenberger in 1995 and became a father in 1997. He is survived by Beth and his daughter, Emma. His family has asked that anyone wishing to contribute do so to the Emma Grasso Education Fund, c/o Citibank FSB, 2323 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704.

The Class of 1983