Preston L. Spruance Jr. ’56

Preston died July 23, 2024, in Eureka, Calif.

Following his father, Preston Lea ’33, he came to Princeton from Lawrenceville but soon transferred to Ithaca College, where he doubled-majored in mathematics and music while serving as editor of the literary magazine. He later earned an M.S. from the U.S. International University.

Preston brought his statistical skills to acturial work at John Hancock and later as statistician in charge at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif., which offered cherished opportunities to single-handedly sail his skipjack schooner to Catalina Island — a feat that would have pleased his grandfather, Fleet Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. Much of his later professional work included leading sophisticated defense contracts.

In retirement, Preston became an avid bird watcher, sighting more than 1,000 world species while enjoying numerous small boat and sailing ship cruises. He loved the joy of being on the water. On top of all this, he continued to play the trombone in various jazz groups on the West Coast.

Preston is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy; sons Halsey Brewster and his wife Alisha, and Preston III and his wife Fernanda; and grandson Jacob Logan Spruance.