William H. Taylor ’50

Bill died May 29, 2017, in Haddonfield, N.J. He was a civil engineer who was proudof his record 48 years as the 12th surveyor general of West New Jersey.

He came to Princeton from Merchantville (N.J.) High School. He was on the swimming team, belonged to Dial, and graduated with high honors in civil engineering.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1950 and served as an engineer officer on a destroyer escort. Upon discharge, he joined an engineering firm, working by day and studying by night for a master’s degree in civil engineering at Penn, which he earned in 1956. Soon thereafter, he and his brother became principals of their own firm. Bill retired as president in 1981.

His work included historic restoration and development, always with concern for the environment and open space. He was also city engineer in Burlington City, N.J., for 22 years.

Bill described his major hobby as using “reinforced concrete, stone, timber, etc.,” which he applied to expanding his British Virgin Islands home and doing home improvements for family and friends. His other hobbies included water sports, hiking, and model trains.

Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helga; children Jeffrey, Anne, and James ’76; two granddaughters; two great-grandsons; and brother David ’48.