William Henry Wilson Jr. ’39

Bill died of cancer Aug. 16, 2005, in Baltimore, Md., where he had long been active in church work and community affairs, including the Boy Scouts and United Way.

During World War II he was a technical representative of Wright Aeronautical Co., assigned to the British Royal Air Force in India and Afghanistan. After the war Bill began his business career with Alcoa in Cleveland. Transferred to the company's Baltimore office in 1948, he later was promoted to vice president and general manager. In 1962, he left the company and became vice president of Van Horn Metz & Co. Inc.; he also was sales manager for its Virginia and Maryland region. He was a vestryman, senior warden, and member of the finance committee of Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Bill once wrote that it had been his good fortune to be transferred to Baltimore. Little did he suspect that what Harvard means to Boston, Princeton means to Baltimore. Princeton's sons permeated the whole fabric of life in Baltimore, carrying the burden of professional and community leadership. He was happy to be a part of it.

Bill is survived by Harriet, his wife of 58 years, and their son, Alexander. We offer them our sincere sympathy.

The Class of 1939