Philip A. Lirio ’44

Phil died Dec. 1, 2012, in Vineland, N.J.

He graduated from Vineland High School, and at Princeton he majored in chemistry, played intramural football and basketball, and was a varsity football manager. He was active in Whig-Clio and Key and Seal.

Phil accelerated and left college with George Grace for Navy service in 1943, reporting for duty at Fort Pierce. He was in nine landings in the Philippines and served as a captain in charge of the USS Newman, a transport carrying troops for invasions.

A lifelong resident of Vineland, he started his own company, Lirio Chemicals. Extremely active in his community, Phil was YMCA treasurer, served on the Vineland City Council, and was in the Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteered for Princeton’s Schools Committee.

He had a fishing boat and a flying license, finally buying his own twin-engine Cessna. Phil’s page in our 60th yearbook included three World War II pictures — of his ship, of troops abroad, and with friends on the beach.

Phil is survived by his wife, Norma; sons Chris and Philip; and two grandchildren.