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News / Obituaries / Southampton Press / 1467871

Joseph R. Siphron Dies At 78

author on Oct 4, 2011

Joseph R. Siphron

Joseph Rider Siphron of Manhattan and Quogue died in Manhattan on Sunday, September 4. He was 78.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Siphron graduated from Yale University in 1955. At Yale, he was a member of Scroll and Key, and his passion for singing led him to become both the president of the Glee Club as well as a Whiffenpoof. He went on to attend both Oxford and Yale law schools.

Mr. Siphron retired as a partner of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley and McCloy after 34 years with the firm.

An avid amateur ornithologist, he traveled the world looking for exotic birds. He combined this enthusiasm with tireless fundraising for various nature organizations, and served on the boards of both the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Bird Lab.

Mr. Siphon was a member of the Union Club, the Quogue Beach Club, the Quogue Field Club and served on the vestry at St. James Church and on the executive committee at the Church of the Atonement.

Loved and adored by his family, he will be remembered for his determination in all things, his deep sense of loyalty and commitment to family and friends, his quick wit, keen mind, and his enduring faith in God.

Beloved husband of 54 years to Mary John Siphron and loving father to John Siphron, Mr. Siphron is survived by a daughter-in-law, Laura; granddaughter, Elizabeth; siblings, Jeanne Siphron, David Siphron; and sister-in-law, Katherine Post; niece and nephew, Whitney and David Strickler.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Church on Madison Avenue and 71st Street in Manhattan on Tuesday, October 25, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Wildlife Conservation Society or the Church of the Atonement.

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