Teri Noel Towe ’70

A unique character even in a unique class, our friend and abiding spirit Teri died in an accident at home Feb. 3, 2025.

Growing up in Connecticut, he came to us from Deerfield, where he had already undergone the epiphany of Bach. The textbook definition of an art major, his thesis on “The London Churches of Sir Christopher Wren” was written for professor David Coffin. Meanwhile, he exercised his vocal muscles with the Chapel Choir and obsessively in the bowels of WPRB. He expanded and immeasurably deepened the station’s classical programming, notably including his own colossal library of 78s documenting the recorded history of classical music. His subsequent law studies at UVA allowed his radio reincarnation as The Laughing Cavalier, and that adventure continued through innumerable shows at WKCR and WBAI in New York, back at WPRB, and any other station he could grab. His knowledge complemented that of his friend Bill Scheide ’36 h’70, the founder of the Bach Aria Group, and the two were a force in the music world.

In the alumni sphere, Teri carved out an equally singular role, that of Royal Governor Jonathan Belcher h’1748 h’70, in full colonial regalia at each year’s P-rade, and especially at the Old Guard luncheon prior. He also worked long hours for Annual Giving, the Friends of the Princeton Library, and the radio station, pointed opinions always included.

Teri is survived by his sister-in-law, Neely; his law partner Jerietta Hollinger; and by the thousands who cheered the governor at each P-rade, his very bearing betraying both his classicism and love for his alma mater.