Robert C. Wood ’44

An outstanding public servant, self-labeled "urbanist," and academic leader from the 1950s through the 1970s, Bob died April 1, 2005, in Boston after battling stomach cancer. He was 81.

He headed, in turn, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (under President Lyndon Johnson), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the University of Massachusetts, and the Boston school system. He authored nine books on political science (one of which popularized the term "suburbia"), and taught at Harvard, MIT, and Wesleyan University.

Arriving at Princeton on a full scholarship, Bob waited on tables in Commons and worked odd jobs while majoring in the School of Public and International Affairs. He was proud of being a founder of Prospect Club, citing its "inclusiveness." He served for three years as an Army combat infantryman, winning battle citations, before returning to graduate in 1946. He subsequently earned two master's degrees and a doctorate in government from Harvard. At our 25th reunion, Princeton awarded him a honorary doctor of laws degree.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret; a son, Frank; two daughters, Frances, and Margaret Hassan; and two grandchildren. He was the grandson of Robert Bradshaw 1873, and brother of Frank B. '41. Our sincere condolences go to the family.

The Class of 1944