Stephen M. Piga ’50

Steve died Sept. 25, 2011, in Oakland, N.J.

Though born in Brooklyn, he lived most of his life in New Jersey, where he graduated from St. Peter’s Preparatory School. At Princeton he was a varsity swimmer, president of the Catholic Club, and a member of Charter. He graduated with honors from SPIA.

Steve entered Columbia Law School, but several months later enlisted in the Marines. During the next five years, he served as a lieutenant, married Joan Farrell, and earned a law degree from Columbia. He spent his entire professional career with White & Case, a major Wall Street law firm, where he became a partner and one of the nation’s foremost experts in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. He reached the rank of captain in the Marine Corps Reserve.

An avid fisherman, Steve was also a member of the Bridge Table in Franklin Lakes and the Bergen County U.S. Bowling Congress.

His second wife, Emilie, died in 2003. Our condolences go to his partner, Suzanne Murphy; his children, Maureen, Stephen Jr., Susan, and Elizabeth; and his three grandchildren.