Pitzer College Mourns Peter Gold P’74, Former Chair of Pitzer College Board of Trustees

Claremont, Calif. ( April 20, 2010) — Peter S. Gold, former CEO and chair of Price Pfister and member of Pitzer College Board of Trustees, passed away on Saturday, April 17. He was 85 years old.

Gold was president and chair of the board at Price Pfister Brass Manufacturing Company, one of the nation’s largest plumbing faucet makers. Joining the company in 1956 as a salesman, he became president in 1973 then senior vice president of Norris Industries, Pfister’s then parent company, two years later. He purchased Price Pfister in 1983 and served as CEO and chairman until 1990.

Peter Gold’s involvement with Pitzer College began over three decades ago when his daughter, Melinda Gold Wiltsie ’74, arrived as a transfer student from UCLA. He joined the Board of Trustees in 1976, served as chair from 1985 to 1991, and elected an emeritus trustee in 2004. Both his daughter and daughter-in-law have carried on Peter’s tradition of service to Pitzer College by serving on the board – Melinda from 1997-2003 and Vicki since 2006.

Gold and his wife Gloria are staunch supporters of Pitzer College. Their many gifts to Pitzer College supported the construction of the Peter and Gloria Gold Student Center, a 12000 square foot complex center on campus in 1995. In 1997, they established the Peter and Gloria Scholarship to recognize students for their philanthropic and academic excellence. Additionally, they endowed the Peter and Gloria Gold Professorship in honor of faculty who provide significant contributions to the College. Their generous donation of three million dollars in 2004 transformed the residential life project and helped the College build three nationally recognized LEED Gold Certified residential buildings.

“It is with great sadness that we mourn Peter’s passing. He was a special person who possessed an enormous presence and who was utterly dedicated to Pitzer College,” said President Laura Skandera Trombley.

Gold was also active with the Boys Club of San Fernando Valley, City of Hope and the United Way, among other charities.

He is survived by his wife Gloria, daughter Melinda and son-in-law Russ, son Daniel and daughter-in-law Vicki, and grandchildren Marisa, Jason and Samantha.

A private ceremony will be held for the family this week. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so through the Office of the President.

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