Robert Mallory. Jr.
Early Life
Robert J. Mallory Jr. was born on March 21, 1887, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Robert Mallory, a steamship owner, and Elizabeth Dennison Holmes Mallory. He grew up in a well-established family, and during his early childhood his family connections extended between New York and Connecticut. In 1888, his sister Eunice Clift Mallory was born in Stonington, Connecticut, followed by his brother Charles Henry Mallory in Brooklyn in 1893, and another brother, Holmes Mallory, in Brooklyn in 1895.
By 1900, Mallory was living in Greenwich, Connecticut, before returning to Brooklyn by 1905, where he continued to reside through at least 1910. He received his education at the Hotchkiss School and went on to attend Yale University, graduating in 1909. While at Yale, he was a member of the prestigious Scroll and Key society and served on the staff of the Yale News, reflecting both academic achievement and social standing.
Following his graduation, he entered the financial world, working for two years with Winslow, Lanier & Co., after which he joined Spencer, Trask & Co. His career progressed steadily, and by 1917 he had become a partner in the firm, later serving as a special partner. On June 10, 1914, he married Prudence Whitney in Rye, New York, and by 1915 the couple had established their home in Rye. On March 20, 1916, their two sons, Robert Mallory III and William Whitney Mallory, were born in New York City.
World War I Service
During the World War, Mallory served in the United States Navy as part of the United States Naval Reserve. He was assigned for duty on January 18, 1918, in New York. Entering service as an Ensign, he was subsequently promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) and later to Lieutenant during his period of service.
His service was within the Naval Reserve system, which played a critical role during World War I by expanding the Navy’s officer corps and supporting administrative, coastal defense, and auxiliary operations. He remained connected with the 3rd Naval District through January 7, 1919, and continued in service into the immediate postwar period before resigning his commission on May 8, 1920.
Life After Service
After the war, Mallory returned to his career in finance, continuing as a special partner in Spencer, Trask & Co. He remained an active figure in both his professional and social communities, holding membership in the Apawamis Club in Rye and the Down Town Association.
His life was marked by both professional success and personal loss. His brother Holmes Mallory died on March 18, 1918, during the war period, and his father, Robert Mallory, died on December 14, 1921, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Mallory continued to reside in Rye through the 1920s, maintaining his home and family life there.
Robert J. Mallory Jr. died unexpectedly on December 1, 1929, at his home on Milton Road in Rye, New York, at the age of 42. Funeral services were held at Christ Church in Rye.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Prudence Whitney Mallory; his two sons, Robert Mallory III and William Whitney Mallory; his mother, Elizabeth Dennison Holmes Mallory; his sister, Eunice Hite; and his brother, Charles Henry Mallory.