Robert W. Parsons Jr. ’55

Bob, an organic chemist who spent much of his career working with a variety of foundations, died May 2, 2024.

He was born Jan. 15, 1933, in Summit, N.J. He attended Pingry, where he was active in the international relations club, student government, and the German club. At Princeton, he majored in chemistry and joined Court Club. His associations included WPRU and the Chemistry Club. His special interests included music, cabinetmaking, sailing, and tennis.

Bob earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at MIT, then spent seven years in research at Merck & Co. and two years at Squibb. He had a passion for supporting medical research in fields that were important to him, notably asthma, hay fever, and allergies. He was also an active volunteer, working at the Summit Playhouse and Family Promise, which deals with family homelessness. Bob was also an active member of Newbridge Church in Morristown.

In 1961, he was elected to the boards of Lillia Babbit Hyde and the John Jay and Eliza Jane Watson foundations and in 1969 joined their staffs. In succeeding years, he was involved with more than a dozen charitable organizations, including the Rensselaerville Institute, the Paper Mill Playhouse, the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, and the Council on Foundations.

Bob loved spending summers in Mantoloking on the Jersey Shore and on Cape Cod. He liked to play the piano and watch local theater, movies, and television. His favorite comedies were the Pink Panther films and The Carol Burnett Show.

Bob is survived by his children: Kathryn, Stephanie, and Robert III; two grandchildren; and his brother Roger.