William F. Laporte ’36

Bill died at his home in NYC, Sept. 10, 2001. He was 88. At Princeton he majored in political science and was a member of Elm Club. In 1938 he received his MBA from Harvard Business School.

In 1938 he joined American Home Products Corp., where he spent his entire career. During his career, the corporation was engaged in the production and sale of household products, foods, over-the-counter medicines, and prescription drugs.

It became evident that he had excellent business skills, and he was appointed president in 1960 and chair in 1965. From 1981-86, he served as chair of the executive committee. At the time of his death, Bill was a director, emeritus, of the corporation.

He was recognized as a very astute and diligent leader who made sure that the company made excellent profits during his tenure in a competitive environment.

He also served on the boards of Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co., the B.F. Goodrich Co., American Standard Co., Inc., and the Buck Hill Falls Co.

Bill's wife of 53 years, Ruth Hillard Laporte, died Feb. 24, 2000. He is survived by daughters Suzanne L. Westcott, Lynn A. Ducommun, and a son, William F. III, and nine grandchildren.

The Class of 1936