Oldest Delta Delta Sig Enters Chapter Eternal
George E. Rich, Jr. ‘45, passed away peacefully on March 5,, 2025, at the age of 102 years, 8 months. Brother Rich was believed to be the oldest living Delta Delta Sig. His son, George G. Rich ΔΔ ’74, wrote, “Dad loved being a Sigma Chi and talked about his experience living in the house with fondness. We last visited the chapter house in the summer of 2010, where we were met by Tim Maloney ’74 and given a great tour of the Sig House and the renovations that had been completed.”
George E. Rich, Jr. ‘45
Delta Delta Days
Brother Rich completed his freshman year at Purdue in 1942 and then went into the US Army, serving in the 12th Armored Division, 66th Armored Infantry Battalion, Company C during WWII. In January 1945 Rich’s battalion took part in a major battle in France, where he was taken prisoner by the Germans. He was liberated by British troops in April 1945 as they moved through Hanover, Germany.
After the war, George returned to Purdue and Sigma Chi to complete his mechanical engineering degree and graduated in 1949. He enjoyed living in the fraternity house at 202 Littleton and getting back to college life.
Fond Memories
George worked for his family’s business, Rich Manufacturing in Battle Creek, MI, later retiring from Clark Equipment Handling Systems. Golf was a lifelong passion, enjoying many years as a 2-handicap golfer. George played his last round of golf at the age of 100.
Sigs George ’74 (left) and Jim ’77 (Central Michigan) with their father, George E. Rich, Jr. ‘45.
Dudley Foster ’49 (now possibly the oldest Delta Delta alumnus at age 97) remarked, “Brother Rich was somebody I admired a great deal. You could tell he had had experiences that had left deep wounds, but he had risen above them. A great loss.”
Brother Rich is the father of Sigma Chi’s George G. Rich ∆∆ ’74 and James C. Rich, Central Michigan ’77. “I am truly blessed to have had my Dad for so long,” noted his son, George.
For George E. Rich, Jr.’s full obituary, please go to https://www.henryfuneralhome.org/obituaries/george-rich.
Leave a Reply