Our most generous and productive classmate Bill died from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Nov. 28, 2020, in Marion, Mass.
A lifelong Bay Stater, Bill came to Princeton from Hotchkiss, as did his father, Bill ’41. He played freshman tennis, served on the UGA, belonged to Tower, and graduated with honors in history. Bill’s on-campus roommates included Ellis, Bono, and Marino. He served as business manager of The Daily Princetonian. Bill attended Heidelberg University on a Fulbright Scholarship and earned an MBA from Harvard.
His 24-year career with Fidelity Investments was highlighted by his founding of the Community Newspaper Co., a group of 117 newspapers in Massachusetts. Post-Fidelity, he worked on high-tech projects. He found personal happiness with his marriage to Deborah in 1994 and their two daughters. Bill selflessly contributed his time, his financial and investing expertise, and his personal resources to many organizations, including as a trustee for the Hotchkiss School, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Museum of Fine Arts. A loyal Princetonian and ’71er, he served as a trustee of the Prince, worked on Annual Giving, commissioned David Chamberlain’s sculpture for the Princeton art museum, and was a constant presence for on-campus events. Bill stayed active in golf, hiking, and sailing, pastimes he shared with Deborah.
The class extends its condolences to Deborah, daughters Kate ’18 and Amelia, and his many friends and family. Donations to Dr. James Berry’s research at the Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, are welcomed.