William Crocker Parsons ’39

Bill died suddenly, apparently of a stroke, on Dec. 13, 1996, at his new home in Ardmore Pa., to which he had moved only six weeks before. He had been in excellent health and, as always, was actively serving Princeton, not only as a member of the area Alumni Schools Committee for undergraduate candidates, but also very significantly as our class treasurer.

When Bill graduated from Haverford School in 1935 he was awarded the school's first "Key Man" award for all-around excellence in academics and athletics. That award was a harbinger of his career to come. After service in both the Army and Navy during WWII, he began teaching. From 1948 until he retired in 1972, he taught English and coached major sports at Haverford. An indefatigable volunteer, he lent his energy and support to RSVP, Contact, Hospice, Red Cross, and local hospitals. He served as deacon and elder of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and pursued his interest in history and genealogy with the Pennsylvania Historical Society.

Bill's wife, Ellen Davis, died in 1993. Surviving are their sons, John and David '72, daughter Laurie Montgomery, and her son, Christopher. Also surviving is Bill's sister, Ellen. With them we give thanks for the life of our good and generous friend.

The Class of 1939