Philip F. Ruppel ’50

Phil died June 25, 2003.

Born in Brooklyn, Phil graduated from Burbank [Calif.] HS. A member of Campus Club and NROTC at Princeton, he graduated with highest honors, winning the Hutton and Joline Prizes in history. His classmate, Jim Billington, described Phil as "one of the most vibrant undergraduates during our time at Princeton."

Phil served as a second lieutenant in the 1st Marine Division in Korea, where he led a rifle platoon and was awarded the Purple Heart. After this tour, he entered Columbia Law School and graduated in 1955.

His career path included practice with a major law firm, corporate counsel duties in domestic and international matters with several companies, and investment banking. He retired in 1992, then formed two small companies with son Chris: one to handle waste disposal, the other to publish information on landfills.

When Phil settled his family in Larch-mont, N.Y., 37 years ago, he was able to establish community roots, and as his son said, "had the opportunity to build . . . long-term friendships." His outside interests were tennis, dancing, and antiquing.

Our sympathy goes to Anne, his wife of more than 46 years; his daughter, Betsy; son Christopher; brother Joseph '54; and three grandchildren.

The Class of 1950