William Hamlin Neely ’47

Ham died from advanced bladder cancer at home in Allentown, Pa., on Sept. 18, 2001. He was 76.

Descended from a long line of illustrious Princetonians, Ham came to Princeton from Lawrenceville. During the war, he was in the Navy V-12 program and served in Alaska, where he entertained in Bob Hope's USO show. Ham wrote musical scores and production numbers for the great Triangle shows of 1946—48. A gifted pianist, his high camp, midnight solo performances on Prospect Street are still remembered by many.

Ham graduated from Dickinson Law School and practiced for 50 years in Allentown, where he was renowned and feared for never using any notes on direct examination.

The class has lost one of its most brilliant, creative, and colorful members. He is survived by his wife, Irene, three sons, two daughters, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His sister, Jean, and brothers, Stuart '51 and James '48, also survive him. To the entire family, the class extends its deepest sympathy.

The Class of 1947