Robert M. Paisley ’47

Bob died May 28, 2013.

Bob and his wife, Jean, had lived in Garden City, N.Y., their whole lives, and it is
where their children grew up and live nearby today.

Bob came to Princeton in the summer of 1943 from Garden City High School. He served for a year with the Army Air Force, but then returned to Princeton and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering in 1947.

After graduation he worked for a year with DuPont, but then joined the family business, R.C. Pritchard & Co., which was engaged exclusively in the import of natural cordage fibers. The company was further expanded by the acquisition of Joseph Whiteside Co., a linen-supply division and a new venture, Pritchard Overseas, aimed at the export of U.S. products to the Middle East. Of all the places he visited, Calcutta was Bob’s favorite.  

Bob and his wife, Jean, usually spent every June enjoying farm life, but it was more relaxation than anything else. His community interests included teaching Sunday school and working with youth groups in the neighborhood.  

Jean predeceased Bob, as did their son Hugh. He is survived by his sons, Michael and Matthew; daughters Mary Ellen Lee and Jean French; and seven grandchildren.