John J. Creedon ’55, LLM ’62, a longtime NYU Law Life Trustee and a former trustee of New York University, passed away on October 11.
“John lived a rich life in the law, and we are grateful for his everlasting friendship, generosity, and dedication to the Law School,” said Dean Trevor Morrison in an email announcement. “We extend heartfelt condolences to his family and remember John with great fondness.”
Creedon graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business in 1952 with a BS magna cum laude; he earned his LLB cum laude in 1955 and LLM in 1962 from NYU Law. His long career at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company began in 1942, and resumed following his service in the US Navy during World War II. In 1955, he joined MetLife’s legal department and went on to serve as senior vice president and general counsel. In 1980, Creedon became president and director of MetLife and was named chief executive officer in 1983. He retired from MetLife in 1989, but remained a member of its Advisory Council until 2006.
Throughout his life, Creedon dedicated much of his spare time and energy to the Law School and University. He served as an adjunct professor at the Law School from 1962 until 1973; he was elected to the NYU Board in 1978 and became a Life Trustee in 2000; he served as vice president of the NYU Alumni Federation; and he created and generously supported the John J. Creedon Scholarship, providing financial assistance to Law School students. Creedon was awarded the Dean John T. Madden Award; the NYU Meritorious Service Award; and the Arthur T. Vanderbilt Medal, the highest honor bestowed on alumni of NYU Law.
Creedon also served in a number of leadership roles for nonprofit organizations, including the National AIDS Fund. He chaired the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association from 1975 to 1976, spent time as the editor of Business Lawyer, and served as a consultant to the U.S. House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.
Posted October 16, 2020