William Armstrong died Dec. 16, 2012, at the age of 96.
Bill was born Dec. 7, 1916, in Pittsburgh. He prepared for Princeton at Beverly Hills (Calif.) High School. He majored in chemistry and was on the freshman crew, interclub track squad, and parking squad. He also participated in Glee Club his freshman and sophomore years and was a member of Tower Club.
During World War II, Bill was commissioned in the Navy as an engineer. He started on the light cruiser USS Savannah and took part in the invasion of Sicily. As below-deck engineer, Bill luckily avoided injury when a German plane dropped a bomb down the stack of the Savannah, inflicting terrible damage to the ship. Bill was then transferred to the battleship USS Wisconsin and saw action in the Sea of Japan.
Bill married Jean Myler in 1946 in Los Angeles, Calif. He worked as a research chemist throughout his career. He started his professional life in Hershey, Pa. After a few years, he moved to Pfizer in New York, where he spent the rest of his career. He received more than 13 patents as a result of his work at Pfizer.
Bill was known for his incredible memory, engaging personality, and humor. He loved tennis and jazz music.
He is survived by Jean; three of their five children; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his brother, Harry Armstrong; and many close friends.
The class sends sympathy to Bill’s family on the loss of a very loyal, active class officer.