William M. Protheroe, 86, of Port Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.
In 1993, William and his wife, Anne, moved to Port Charlotte where he was an active member of the South Gulf Cove Yacht Club, the Rotonda Elks, the American Merchant Marine Veterans (Robert J. Mac Alvanah Chapter) and the Royal Astronomical Society.
Born Oct. 16, 1925, in Maesteg, Wales, the son of William T. and Morfydd Protheroe.
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He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.., class of 1945, and received a commission to the U.S. Navy.
He attended Heidelberg College from September 1946 to June 1948, where he met his beloved wife, Anne.
He then attended The Ohio State University from September 1949 to March 1955 where he earned his Ph.d. in astronomy. He served as professor of astronomy and vice dean of the graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania.
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A gathering for family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Lemon Bay Funeral Home, 2 Buchans Landing, Englewood, with a celebration of William's life to follow.
As a Guggenheim fellow he conducted research at the Mount John Observatory in New Zealand, then became associate dean of the graduate school and professor of astronomy at The Ohio State University, where he held numerous appointments including Chairman of the Athletic Council and member of the University Senate.
He also served as AAUP president for the OSU Chapter. He retired professor emeritus in 1991.
He is survived by his children, Deborah Everett, William T. (Jeri), Robert (Susan) and Elizabeth (Chris Furuta); grandchildren, Maria (Chris Wooten), Joseph (Folake), Megan (Steve Hauber), Benjamin (Heather), Daniel, Erin (Eddy Blanchard ), Elizabeth (Corey Green), Hannah (Kyle Cooney), Lynsey Furuta, Lloyd Furuta, William J., Lesley Furuta; and 14 great-grandchildren.
William M. Protheroe was proceded in death by his beloved wife Anne.
A gathering for family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Lemon Bay Funeral Home, 2 Buchans Landing, Englewood, with a celebration of William's life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tidwell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota FL 34238. Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Express condolences at lemonbayfh.com.
