Robert Stanley Pieringer ’70

Stan died June 10, 2016, following cancer treatment and a massive stroke at the University of Washington Medical Center, with his family at his side. He was one of our class leaders.

During our tumultuous undergraduate years, as the country seethed and the University transformed almost instantly, The Daily Princetonian became indispensable as a purveyor not only of information, but also of fairness and conscience in the community. Stan was our Prince chairman, a powerful and broadly respected symbol of our aspirations and striving on all sides — our better selves. In what must be a unique tribute, our class poll cited Stan as Most Likely to Succeed ... before the revolution, as editor of The New York Times, and after the revolution, as editor of Pravda.

His distinguished 40-year career with the law firm of Locke Lord in his native Texas, and his extraordinary reputation in his community for wisdom and generosity, will surprise no one. His leadership across decades at Houston’s Christ Church Cathedral was remarkable, but perhaps more to be expected than his selfless role as the emergency coach of his twin sons’ basketball team, the thought of which might have alarmed the Prince’s intramural hoops stalwarts.

We grieve for Stan with his wife, Kay Heffler Pieringer; and their sons, Walter, Daniel, and Stephen; but join in their fond memories and love. Many brilliant, talented people are admired or envied; Stan was the one we respected. We will miss him.