William R. Gilson ’40

Lifelong resident of Summit, N.J., Bill Gilson died Apr. 9, 1996. He was a senior partner of the law firm Kentz, Gilson & O'Hare. Earlier he practiced with the family firm of McKirgan & Gilson.

Throughout his life Bill was active in local political affairs as city clerk, councilmanatlarge, and the Summit planning board. He had been past president of the Summit Civic Assn., Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club. The Summit Area YMCA and Downtown Assn. also benefited from his leadership.

Bill was a fellow of the American College of Probate Counsel and a member of the American Law Institute and the Summit, Union County, and New Jersey bar associations.

After Princeton Bill was an officer in the Navy and graduated from Yale law school in 1946. He was a member of Princeton's schools and scholarship committee, and he taught courses in local government. His knowledge of, and interest in, Princeton sports programs, and Ivy League competition in general, was phenomenal; rare indeed were the football games he did not attend. His presence was a constant at all our major class gatherings.

Bill is survived by his wife, Charlotte, daughter Elizabeth '82, son William Jr., sister Virginia Dearborn, and brother Thomas '38. We have lost a devoted and caring classmate, and our sympathy goes out to his family, friends, and community.

The Class of 1940