Robert Edward Pearson ’48

Bob Pearson's death on Dec. 9, 1996, has left the class much the poorer. His knowledge of the early days of Princeton, the College of New Jersey, and the area was awesome. He came by this knowledge naturally, as an ancestor was valedictorian of the first graduating class of 1748.

Bob went into the Marines from 1944-46 after graduating from Lawrenceville. He was awarded the Purple Heart on Okinawa and also served in North China. While there, he was busy disarming the Japanese and keeping the Communists and the Nationalists separated. At Princeton he was an engineer but lasted only a year. This frustration was repeated at U. of Virginia. He was, however, readmitted to Virginia and graduated in economics in 1951.

His first employment was with General Motors as an efficiency expert, but the work failed to be congenial. Bob found his career home in 1954 at Merrill Lynch and stayed for 38 years, retiring as a senior financial consultant.

Bob was active all his life in the Presbyterian Church, serving for many years as an elder. He had a great interest in antique furniture and objects d'art.

To Bob's widow, Sheila, daughter Alexandra, goddaughter Nicolette, and brother George '47, the class offers its deepest sympathy and shares in their loss.

The Class of 1948