David Greatorex Powell died peacefully in his sleep on January 28, 2025, in Far Hills, N.J.
He was 91 and a long-time resident of Bernardsville and Far Hills, N.J. and Vero Beach, Fla.
Born in 1933, in Princeton, N.J., David’s parents were Clare Davis Powell and Richard Chew Powell. After the early death of his father, his mother married Professor Charles Lafayette Todd.
David is predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Van Nostrand Powell, who passed away just three months and one day before he did. While our hearts ache at losing them both, so close together, we take comfort in knowing they are reunited.
He is survived by three daughters: Katherine Dexter Wood, Clare Davis Powell and Elizabeth Todd Powell; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and his brother, Evan Rhys Powell.
David went to South Kent School for Boys, where he met his future wife’s brothers. He then went on to Princeton University, where he majored in the Special Program in European Civilization and the Modern Languages Department and joined Dial Lodge, graduating in 1954, cum laude.
He loved Princeton, especially crewing, which he did for all four years. In his junior year, he was elected captain and, after sweeping all the races in the U.S., the team headed to England to compete in “the race of all races,” the Henley Royal Regatta. There, his team broke the course record in the semi-finals, eventually losing to the Royal Air Force team.
In 1954, he was drafted into the Army, where he volunteered for Officers Candidate School. He ended up at Fort Dix, where his weapons training of new recruits cost him a partial loss of hearing – which later proved useful when dealing with three daughters.
After being discharged from the Army, he accepted a position with Standard Oil Co. (N.J.), now ExxonMobil, as the job offered him the opportunity to work and live around the world.
In 1970, he returned to the U.S. and to Exxon and Exxon Chemical; there he remained for another decade. In 1980, he was recruited by Allied Signal/Honeywell and moved his family to New Jersey.
Once David decided to retire, he focused his time on the causes near and dear to him, including The Seeing Eye in Morristown, N.J., and the Morristown Medical Center, joining its Board of Trustees. He dedicated years to helping the hospital improve patient safety and well-being.
One of his legacies includes providing funding to create The David & Joan Powell Center for Healthy Aging, known locally as the Geriatrics Center.
David’s life was one of quiet strength, deep integrity, and unwavering love for those around him. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
A private Memorial Service was held in June.
In lieu of flowers, the Powell family would prefer a donation be made to The Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, located at 310 South Street, 4th Floor, Morristown, N.J., 07960, ATTN: David & Joan Powell Center for Healthy Aging.