Richard Sheridan Simmons ’51

DICK DIED of lung cancer Feb. 10, 1991, in Stuart, Fla., his winter home. He was among '51's most outstanding members. His career as a lawyer, banker, and expert on banking law made him invaluable to the banking industry and to the U.S. government. From 1985 until ill health forced him to retire last fall, Dick was vice chairman of the Chemical Banking Corp. and its principal subsidiary, Chemical Bank. He had been the bank's chief outside counsel for the previous 25 years. During the Iran hostage crisis, Dick played a major role in resolving financial claims against Teheran after the Shah was overthrown,

From 1956 to 1985 (he was briefly N.Y. State's deputy superintendent of banks in 1959), Dick was associated with the Cravath, Swaine & Moore law firm, and became deputy presiding partner in 1980. He was prominent in banking and philanthropic organizations.

Dick went to Hotchkiss and graduated summa cum laude from Princeton. He majored in economics and was a member of Key and Seal. He roomed with Jake McCandless, Frank Benenati, and Dick Valentzas. He spent two years in the Army after Yale Law School.

In Jake McCandless's words, "Dick had a brilliant, quick mind; a dry and subtle sense of humor. He loved Princeton. He will be terribly missed," an unusually gifted man. He is survived by his wife, Pat, and their son, Bill. The Class extends its deep sympathy to both.