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Edward Leroy McCord, Ph.D; J.D July 18, 1950-February 23, 2026 We recently learned that Edward Leroy McCord, a polymathic scholar, naturalist, and beloved mentor who bridged the worlds of philosophy, law, and conservation, died early in the year. A man of immense intellectual breadth, Ed McCord spent decades at the University of Pittsburgh, serving as a Senior Lecturer and the Director of Programming for the University Honors College. Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Ed’s lifelong fascination with the natural world began in the ecosystems of North Florida, where he developed a particular appreciation for the area’s carnivorous plants. He came to Princeton from Leon High School in Tallahassee and majored in Philosophy, writing his senior thesis on “Intentionality and the Explanation of Behavior.” His academic journey continued at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned an M.A. in Cultural Anthropology (1978); a Ph.D. in Philosophy (1980), and a law degree (1980). This rare combination of disciplines allowed him to approach environmental conservation not just as a scientific necessity, but as a moral and legal imperative. His capstone achievement was his 2012 book, The Value of Species (Yale University Press), which argued that every species possesses an inherent intellectual and moral value that transcends market utility. His work was recognized as a “Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2012 for Biology” within the Science and Technology category by Choice magazine. At the University of Pittsburgh, Ed was instrumental in helping Honors College Dean Alec Stewart in the landmark acquisition of the 4,700-acre Allen L. Cook Spring Creek Preserve in Wyoming. This "living laboratory" became a cornerstone of his teaching, where he led students through the Wyoming Yellowstone Field Studies Program to study dinosaur fossil beds and environmental law. His commitment to student growth led to the establishment of the “Ed McCord Experiential Learning Fund”, ensuring his legacy of field-based discovery continues. Beyond the classroom, Ed was a man of adventurous spirit. His hobbies ranged from the contemplative—tending to his cats and growing rare orchids and carnivorous plants—to the daring, including climbing Borneo’s Mount Kinabalu, diving for relics in Florida rivers, and a memorable 12,000-foot skydive with the Pitt Outdoors Club. He was an avid traveler, exploring the terrain and cultural heritage of Mongolia, Malaysia, and South Africa. Ed often reflected on the "Princetonian hallmarks of enlightenment, authenticity, and service" that guided his life. (Please be sure to read his biography in the 50th reunion book.) He is survived by his sister Betsy (Jack) Kelly; his brother Guyte (Beverly) McCord; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He leaves behind a legacy of "widening and sharpening thought" for generations of students. For those wishing to give in memory of Ed’s lifelong commitment to student discovery, the family suggests donations to The “Ed McCord Experiential Learning Fund”. This fund supports undergraduate research and field study at the Cook Spring Creek Preserve in Wyoming. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Cleveland Fooshee December 22, 1950- March 2026 Richard Cleveland Fooshee died suddenly, unexpectedly at his home in Prospect, Maine in late March. His wife, Janet Katz Fooshee, notified Ruby Hutner with this sad news.. (No additional details are available at the time of this writing.) Rick or Zak, as he was also known, came to Princeton from Tenafly, NJ, follow graduation from the Englewood School in Englewood NJ. He was member of Wilson College and participated in wrestling. Rick majored in English and his senior thesis, accepted in 1974, was "The Evolution of Faulkner's Colonel Figure: A History Both Particular and Universal.” Following Princeton, he attended the New York Law School and received a JD in 1978. Rick stayed in New York, pursued his interest in securities and investment law, working fo the National Association of Securities Dealers. He became a Securities Law Attorney for Lowey Dannenberg Bemporad Salinger before joining joining E.F. Hutton & Company. Following a move back to Tenafly, he established a law practice specializing in securities law. Rick met his then future wife, Janet Katz, while in New Jersey. The couple married in 2009 and then moved to Damariscotta, Maine in 2010. The couple settled in Prospect, Maine where Rick continued his law practice. Rick is survived by his spouse, Janet, and sons, Henry Haskell Fooshee and Richard Wallace Fooshee. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Conrad Zagrabbe March 4, 1950-April 1, 2026
Ralph Conrad Zagrabbe, 76, of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, known as “Grabber” to his Princeton classmates, passed away on April 1, 2026. Born on March 4, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Ralph and Elvira Zagrabbe, he lived a life marked by intellect, warmth, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved. Ralph came to Princeton from the close-knit neighborhood of South Philadelphia, where he attended St. Monica School and then St. John Neumann High School. He served as his senior class president, was an accomplished debater and a standout on the football field. At Princeton, he enrolled in the ROTC and played on the freshman football team living in Pyne Hall. Sophomore year, Ralph seized an opportunity to bring together fifty of his classmates, many of whom played freshman football, to reopen Dial Lodge as an eating club. He secured the classmate membership interest necessary to sustain the club and then contacted the Dial Lodge Trustees. Dial Lodge subsequently re-opened as a non-selective club and as a viable alternate to the Bicker system of membership selection. This would be his proudest accomplishment at Princeton and Dial Lodge became the social center for him and his closest friends throughout their college years. Ralph majored in English. His senior thesis was “Rambling Through the Leaves: Walt Whitman” Following graduation, Ralph served honorably in the United States Navy for four years. He then embarked on a long and successful career in finance in the Philadelphia area. He concluded his professional life at Cantor Fitzgerald in 2013. In 1986, Ralph married the love of his life, Maryellen Whalen. He died only days before their 40th wedding anniversary. Together they raised two children. He was a proud and dedicated father. He treasured summers spent with his family in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Ralph had a deep appreciation for German automobiles, Philadelphia sports teams, and above all, a good Italian meal. Ralph was gregarious and kind. His sharp wit and humor brought a smile to everyone who knew him, whether it was one of his longtime childhood friends or a stranger he had met only a moment before. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maryellen Whalen Zagrabbe; his daughter, Kathryn Zagrabbe ‘09, and son-in-law, Matthew Wellenbach; his son, Peter Zagrabbe; two grandchildren; his sister, Norma Iatarola; and his brother-in-law, Antonio Ranalli. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Olivia Ranalli; his brother-in-law, Anthony Iatarola; and his brother-in-law, Joseph Whalen, Jr. In his final years, Ralph was lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff at Westgate Hills Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Havertown, Pennsylvania, whose compassion brought comfort to his family. Ralph will be dearly missed by his wife, children, family, and friends. We know that even with his passing, he would remind us at this difficult time to remember his favorite phrase: "Onward and upward.” A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 9:45 to 10:45 AM at St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken State Road, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Eagles Autism Foundation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ban The Vu March 26, 1951-February 10, 2026
Ban The Vu, 74, of McLean, VA, devoted, caring, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 10, 2026, from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was born in Hanoi, Vietnam on March 26, 1951, to Trinh Ngoc Vu and Vuong Vu. The family resided in Saigon by the time he transferred into Princeton as a sophomore in 1969. Ban majored in chemical engineering. He was a member of Stevenson Hall and joined Cap and Gown Club his senior year. He became a resident advisor of Lower Cloister College. In addition, he served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and was a member of the Orange Key Society. He was also active in the Karate Club. His thesis was “The Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Various Polypeptides.” He continued his chemical engineering studies at the University of Wisconsin, receiving an Master of Science degree. He moved to Bristol, Pennsylvania to work as a project engineer at Rohm and Haas before applying to the Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry. He started his career as a dentist in 1978, and practiced for more than three decades, retiring in 2011. His practice was in Falls Church, VA, where he was known for his gentle manner, sense of humor, and genuine care for his patients. Ban's life was rich with simple pleasures. He could often be found at the piano in the evening playing his favorite songs. He loved playing tennis and ping-pong with his family and friends and enjoyed following the stock market and financial news. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Bich Loc Thi Nguyen; his children, Charles Chau The Vu ‘07, Tracy Vu Fulton ‘09, and Brian Huan Vu; and six cherished grandchildren who brought him immense joy. Ban had several relatives who also attended Princeton, including his brother, Khoi Vu ’73. To all of Ban’s family the Class extends its sympathy.
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