Jan. 29, 1963 - Robert Frost (pictured in 1913), dean of American poets, died today at the age of 88. He was pronounced dead at Boston’s Peter Bent Brigham hospital at 1:50 a.m. The poet’s general condition began deteriorating two days ago. His attending physician, Dr. Roger B. Hickler, said Mr. Frost died shortly after complaining of severe chest pains and a shortness of breath. The cause of death was listed as “probably a pulmonary embolism,” or blood clot in the lungs. Dr. Hickler said that a few hours before the fatal attack Mr. Frost was “talkative and comfortable.” Not long before his death, Mr. Frost had been dictating an article on Ezra Pound from his hospital bed when he fell asleep, according to his daughter, Leslie Frost. Frequently honored during his lifetime, Frost is the only poet to receive four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1960 for his poetic works. A private funeral service will be held for Mr. Frost tomorrow. Burial will be in the family plot in Old Bennington, Vt. On Sunday, Feb. 17, a public memorial service will be held at Amherst College, Amherst, Mass.
