Robert C. Bennett ’54

Robert Bennett died Feb. 19, 2014, from rapidly spreading cancer.

Born in Long Branch, N.J., he attended Kent School. His Princeton major was the Woodrow Wilson School. He was a member of Quadrangle Club, the Varsity Glee Club, and the varsity lightweight crew. He served as secretary of the class sophomore year. Bob was in NROTC and after graduation went on active duty aboard the U.S.S. Valley Forge, including duty as an admiral’s aide.

Bob earned a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts. He joined First City Bank in New York City and spent more than 33 years with the bank, working in Singapore, India, Brazil, Finland, and eventually California. He was appointed president of Citibank’s Edge Act entity in San Francisco and started its private banking presence in northern California.  

Bob was known for his jokes and stories. He did a bungee jump at age 67 while on a trip to New Zealand. He was a member of Costco (which he wanted mentioned in his obituary) and the Stock Exchange and Banker’s clubs in San Francisco.

The class is honored by his service to our country and sends condolences to Jane, his wife of 48 years; son Robert; daughter Sarah; and four grandchildren.