William A. Kelly ’49

Bill died Aug. 13, 2016.

He was born March 8, 1925, in Atlantic City, N.J. He graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1943 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps, serving as a navigator in the 8th Air Force during World War II. Bill attended Princeton on the GI Bill, majoring in chemical engineering. He was the starting guard on the basketball team.

After graduation, he began a 35-year career with Lever Brothers, where he rose to the position of vice president of research and development. He was awarded numerous patents for his work there, including one for a key process in the manufacture of Dove soap.

During his retirement, Bill volunteered as a small-business consultant with SCORE, and later he and his wife, Ruth, traveled extensively with the International Executive Service Corp. He enjoyed writing, clay sculpting, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth; his children, William W. Kelly ’76 and wife Wendy, Jenifer L. Kelly, and Peter S. Kelly and wife Susan; and seven grandchildren.