John Anderson Luke died May 7 at the age of 81. He resided with his wife, Joy, in New Canaan, Conn. and also enjoyed homes in Vero Beach, Fla. and on the Vineyard.

He was born Nov. 30, 1925 in Tyrone, Pa., the son of Priscilla Warren Luke and David L. Luke, Jr.

He was graduated from The Hotchkiss School to which he remained a devoted alumnus for the remainder of his life. Following service with the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, he resumed his education at Yale, where he graduated in the class of 1948.

He had a long and distinguished career with Westvaco Corporation, now MeadWestvaco Corporation, as a manager and a director. In 1992, he retired from the corporation as president and chief executive officer.

Historically a major participant in the paper industry, the company is now a global leader in packaging and packaging solutions for consumer products.

Known everywhere for a warm and merry heart, he was an enthusiastic supporter of the West Chop and Mink Meadows communities which so warmly embraced him and his family. He served for several years on the boards of the West Chop Club and Mink Meadows Association.

A member of the Country Club of New Canaan, he long found pleasure in golf, never more so than when he scored a hole-in-one earlier this year at John's Island.

Survivors include his wife Joy of 60 years; his brother, David L. Luke III; a half-sister, Melinda Luke; two sons, John A. Luke Jr. and William H. Luke; a daughter, Hope L. Hetherington; their spouses, Kathleen Luke, Cynthia Luke, and John Hetherington; and his grandchildren, John A. Luke, III, Lindsay A. Luke, Elizabeth C. Luke, Whitney Joy Luke, Kells L. Hetherington, Jane S. Hetherington, J. Luke Murphy and Gordon T. Murphy.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Jane L. Murphy, and a sister, Priscilla Luke Vail.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, where John was a member, at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lupus Research Institute, 330 Seventh avenue, Suite 1701, New York, NY 10001.