William Theophilus Middlebrook

MIDDLEBROOK, William Theophilus 89, passed away November 10, 2008 in Naples, FL, after a brief illness. He was born February 10, 1919 in Lowell, MA, and grew up in Northfield, VT. He graduated from Fessenden School, West Newton, MA; Phillips Academy, Andover, MA; and Trinity College, Hartford, CT, where he was a member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity. While at Phillips Academy, he was the state wrestling champion. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve in W.W. II as Lieutenant from 1942 to 1945 aboard destroyer escorts DE13 and 769. He was commander of the USS Neal A. Scott, DE 769. He resided in Needham, MA for 35 years, where he was Personnel Director for the William Carter Co. for twenty years, subsequent to which he was owner of SOS Personnel and Executive Search. He served the Town of Needham as Chairman of its Personnel Committee and as a twenty year town meeting member. He was an active member of the Needham Congregational Church and a member of Norfolk Lodge of Masons and the Massachusetts Consistory. He moved to Naples, FL in 1987, where he was an active member of the Naples United Church of Christ and the Vineyards Country Club, and a summer resident of Moultonborough, NH. He was an avid boater in both New Hampshire and Naples, FL. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, to whom he was married for 54 years. Also surviving are three children: Nancy (Robert) Harvey of Scottsdale, AZ; Robert (Bonnie) Middlebrook of Bedford, NH; and William (Christina) Middlebrook of Dunstable, MA. Also, seven grandchildren: Megan Harvey Lem, Heather Harvey, Stacey, Chelsey, Tucker, Cole and Sophia Middlebrook. He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Ethel (Gardner) Middlebrook and by his brother, Gardner Middlebrook, M.D. Friends are invited to a Memorial Service, which will be held Saturday, November 15th at 1 PM at the Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples, FL 34103. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Naples United Church of Christ, Building Fund will be appreciated. Arrangements by the Fuller Funeral Home, NAPLES, FL.