Robert L. Brightman ’41

Bob died Feb. 22, 2012, in Van Dyk Manor of Montclair, N.J.

A graduate of Montclair Academy at age 15, Bob spent a postgraduate year at Exeter and graduated cum laude before entering Princeton. Bob majored in economics and graduated at age 20. He was on the varsity crew, played 150-pound football, served as secretary of the Contract Bridge Club, and was a member of Cannon Club.

Joining the Navy Supply Corps as an ensign in 1942, Bob was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Monterey in the Pacific theater under Adm. Halsey’s task force, until typhoon damage sent troops home. He separated as a lieutenant. Bob went into the import-export business with Johaneson, Wales & Sparre, becoming first a vice president and then owner. He then joined Grängesberg-Oxelösund as vice president, before leaving to become vice president of purchasing for West Point Pepperell, retiring in 1988. He was an avid golfer and tennis player.

In later years, he and his wife, Vera, spent several months each year in her hometown of Göthenberg, Sweden.

Bob is survived by Vera; his son, Richard; daughters Shelley and Susan; two grandsons; and two great-grandsons. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marion Altreuter.