Peter Horst Conze ’42

Pete and his wife, Betty, were killed Mar. 4, 1999, in a head-on collision with a fire truck in Bradenton, Fla. Pete spent most of his business career with Celanese Corp., retiring as vice-chairman and COO in 1985.

Preparing at Kent School, Pete rowed on the crew that won the Henley Royal Regatta in 1938. Joining the class, he majored in chemical engineering and was a member of Ivy Club. During WWII, Pete spent four years in the Navy, serving as a lieutenant in submarines in the Pacific theater.

Returning to NYC after the war, Pete joined Susquehanna Plastics, ultimately becoming a v.p. before moving to Celanese Fibres Co. as president. His career in plastics continued with Celanese Corp. until his retirement. With sailing and platform tennis as hobbies, Pete continued his relationship with Kent as president of the board of directors for 21 years. He also was president of the Greenwich [Conn.] Historical Society. A loyal member of the class, Pete, with Betty, attended the mini-reunion in Jackson Hole in Sept. 1998.

Pete is survived by his sons, Peter and Frederick; his daughters, Eliza and Elizabeth; and 10 grandchildren. The class extends its most sincere sympathies to all of them.

The Class of 1942