Thomas William Langfitt ’48

Princeton, the worlds of medicine, philanthropy, and banking, and the Class of '48 are all the lesser with the death of Tom Langfitt on Aug. 7, 2005.

Tom did it all. He was vice president of health affairs at Penn (as well as a world-class neurosurgeon), president of the Pew Charitable Trusts, and finally, president of the Glenmede Trust. He served as a charter trustee of Princeton from 1985 to 1995. In all of these endeavors he was held in highest esteem.

Tom's medical focus was on head-injury programs at Penn. The walls of his office were crowded with certificates of scientific awards from all over the world.

Tom joined us from Mercerburg Academy. He ran track, was active in baseball, and was a member of the Glee Club. His home away from home was Cap and Gown. His medical degree was from Johns Hopkins in 1953.

Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn, who was a longtime member of the executive board of the Auxiliary of the McCosh Infirmary; sons David, John, and Frank '86; and eight grandchildren. Tom was always a wonderful friend and great fun. His impish sense of humor persisted through the ups and downs of life.

The Class of 1948