Necrology
Because Hamilton Remembers
Bernard François Combemale '51
Oct. 23, 1929-Jun. 2, 2020
Bernard François Combemale ’51 was described in his senior year Hamiltonian yearbook this way — “One of France’s last diplomats, Bernie’s charm and friendliness are sure to win him friends wherever he goes.”
Born on Oct. 23, 1929, in Paris to Yves Robert and Jacqueline Porte Combemale, he attended private schools in France before making the decision to attend college in the States. His fondest Hamilton memories included “discovering America, learning English, and making the transition to a new world, new friends, and new values after the traumatic years of World War II in France,” he noted in his 50th reunion yearbook.
On College Hill, Combemale majored in economics, participated on the track team, and joined Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. From 1951 to 1953, he served the U.S. Army in the 43rd infantry division before launching his career in investment banking, both in New York and Paris. He focused in the insurance and hotel and leisure industries.
Combemale’s career stops included stints as a banking-international partner at Blyth & Co.; CEO of the international INA Corp.; CEO of the Société des Bains de Mer in Monte Carlo; chairman and CEO of Trust House Forte US; and various directorships and foundation boards, including The French-American Foundation, The Princess Grace Foundation-USA, and The Claude Pompidou Foundation. He served for a time as chairman of the executive committee and director of the Western World Insurance Group.
Beyond his professional life, Combemale’s interests included his home and garden in France, organizing the Franco-American Music Festival in Normandy, and travel and reading. An alumni trustee from 1977 to 1981, he established the Bernard F. Combemale Scholarship awarded to international students enrolled at the College.
Combemale died on June 2, 2020, at the age of 90. Predeceased by his former wife, Pamela Woolworth Combemale, whom he had married in 1956, he is survived by four children, including Chris ’80 and Nick Combemale ’85, and many grandchildren.
Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.
Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu
The Joel Bristol Associates
Hamilton has a long-standing history of benefiting from estate and life payment gifts. Thoughtful alumni, parents, and friends who remember Hamilton in their estate plans, including retirement plan beneficiary designations, or complete planned gifts are recognized and honored as Joel Bristol Associates.
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Alumni & Parent Relations
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Jacke Jones
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