William M. Protheroe

PROTHEROE William M. Protheroe, 86, of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away Tuesday September 4, 2012, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital, Port Charlotte, Florida. He was born October 16, 1925 in Maesteg, Wales and was the son of William T. and Morfydd Protheroe. William was a Graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY., Class of 1945, at which time he received a commission to the US 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 then served as Professor of Astronomy and Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. As a Guggenheim Fellow he conducted research at the Mt. John Observatory in New Zealand. Afterwards he accepted a position as 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. In 1993 William and Anne moved to Port Charlotte, Florida 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. 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 preceded in death by his beloved wife Anne. A gathering for family and friends will be held from 9-10 a.m., with a celebration of William's life to follow on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at LEMON BAY FUNERAL HOME, 2 Buchans Landing, Englewood, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tidwell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Fla. 34238. Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services. You may express your condolences to the family at lemonbayfh.com