Richard Drayton ’53

Dick, who was born in Chestnut Hill, Pa., and counted three signers of the Declaration of Independence among his ancestors, died of Pick's disease Oct. 4, 2005.

He prepared at Lawrenceville, and at Princeton he roomed with Bayard Henry, Gren Paynter, Fred Wonham, and John Wright. He majored in history and was secretary/treasurer of Colonial Club.

Dick married Constance "Fytie" Ludington in 1953 while a lieutenant in the field artillery. He was a senior vice president at Smith Barney and spent his entire business career with that brokerage as one of its most valued executives.

He was active in the Episcopal Diocese of Philadelphia, a chairman of Bryn Mawr Hospital, and a founding board member of Main Line Health.

Even during his illness, Dick remained a '53 patriot, and Bob Hauptfuher and Jim Ridgway would drive him to class functions. At his memorial service, which was attended by many Princetonians including four alumnae, "Old Nassau" was sung.

He is survived by Fytie; sons Richard Jr. and Geoffrey W.; daughter Constance Old '85; sister Mary Grant; and seven grandchildren. Dick was predeceased by his brother, John W. '43, by 10 days. John Beck remembers Dick as we do: "A wonderful guy and a handsome one."

The Class of 1953