William Edward Maritz ’50

Bill died Feb. 26, 2001, after battling a recurrence of prostate cancer.

Bill entered Princeton from John Burroughs School in his hometown of St. Louis. He majored in international affairs, was in NROTC, and was Glee Club president. He served three years as operations officer aboard a Navy rocket launcher during the Korean War.

In 1953, Bill joined the company founded by his grandfather in 1894. With sales then at $5 million, Maritz, Inc., which specializes in motivation and travel, posted $2.5 billion sales when he stepped aside as CEO in 1998.

Bill's civic leadership was recognized when he was honored as St. Louis citizen of the year in 1998. Known as "a guy who was never negative about anything," he served on many boards. Traveler, golfer, he was devoted to Princeton, served as alumni trustee, attended every major reunion and included "The Orange and The Black" in the memorial service he prepared to celebrate his life.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; sons Peter '79, Steve '80, Philip '83, daughter Alice Maritz Starek '85; sister Jean Hobler w'41; two stepchildren and 14 grandchildren. The class will miss one of its finest and extends its sympathy to his family.

The Class of 1950