Robert F. Goheen ’40 *48

Body

So much has been published about Bob that this limited space can only begin to honor his life and achievements. He prepared at the Lawrenceville School, following his brother, Richard R.P. Goheen ’36, and his uncle, Rhea M. Ewing ’24, to Princeton. Our second-youngest classmate, he majored in classics, achieving highest honors. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and won the Pyne Prize.

Bob played varsity soccer, was president of I.A.A. and Quadrangle Club, and was a member of Whig-Clio, the Undergraduate Council, and the Interclub Committee.

During World War II, he served in war department intelligence and the infantry in the South Pacific, receiving the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. Returning to graduate studies at Princeton, he earned a Ph.D. in classics in 1948.

In 1956, at the age of 37, he became Princeton’s youngest president. His leadership during the tumultuous 1960s was outstanding. As PAW reported in its Jan. 23 issue, “Wilson excepted, no modern president has had more impact on Princeton.”

Bob is survived by Margaret, his wife of 66 years; his daughters, Anne Goheen Crane, Trudi Goheen Swain, Megan Goheen Lower, and Elizabeth Goheen; his sons, Stephen and Charlie; 18 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. To them all, his classmates extend their deep sympathies.

0 Responses

Join the conversation

Plain text

Full name and Princeton affiliation (if applicable) are required for all published comments. For more information, view our commenting policy. Responses are limited to 500 words for online and 250 words for print consideration.

Paw in print

Image
The cover of PAW’s April, 2025, issue, featuring a photo of three soldiers in World War II uniforms reading PAW.
The Latest Issue

April 2025

PAW turns 125; Gatsby at 100; Princeton Journeys around the world