William Nichols Coler ’52

Bill died unexpectedly of cancer Jan. 14, 2002, at home in Westport, Mass.

Born in New York City, he prepared for Princeton at the Choate School, from which he graduated in 1946, and the Marine Corps, from which he was discharged as a second lieutenant in 1948. At Princeton, he majored in chemistry and was a member of Cloister Inn. After earning an MBA at Harvard in 1954, Bill, a certified financial planner, enjoyed a successful career in management consulting. From 1966-98 he was owner and CEO of W.N. Coler Associates.

Bill was an avid and skilled sailor. He raced in many transatlantic contests, was a member of the New Bedford Yacht Club, was a Coast Guard-licensed Master of Steam, Motor, and Auxiliary Sailing Vessels on ocean waters; and taught, pro bono, marine navigation and seamanship at the US Power Squadron.

Above all, Bill treasured his family, lovingly calling their picture in our BOH "The Coler Collection." To his beloved wife of more than 43 years, Rosemary; his sons, William Jr., Andrew, and David; his three daughters-in-law; and his four grandchildren, the class extends its sincerest condolences.

The Class of 1952