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William Leffingwell Obituary
Born January 14, 1923 in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Bill was the son of Irene Brown Leffingwell and Harry Chapman Leffingwell II. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1945 and was assigned Pacific duty. The Navy sent him to MIT from 1947 to 1949 where he studied Advanced Weaponry.
He left the Navy in 1953 to work for Sperry Gryoscope Company on Long Island, N.Y., where he designed SPG-55 radars and automatic test equipment. Bill stayed in the weapons defense industry culminating with the Star Wars project which he believed was essential for the defense of America.
After retirement he moved to Myrtle Beach, in 1992. He loved traveling, tennis, gardening and his many friends. Bill looked forward to his grandchildren visits every summer and delighted in their growth and joy playing at the seashore.
Surviving are Rachela ''Ricky'' his beloved wife of 47 years; and his three daughters and their husbands, Lisa and Tom Duryea of Kenwood, California, Deidre and Sam Mayes of Fairfax, Virginia, and Rachel and Jeff Hunter of Falls Church, Virginia. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Jack and Liam; Michael, Melissa and Jennifer; Julia, Emily and Danielle; and his sister, Lucille Netzow and husband, Earl, of Theinsville, Wisconsin.
He was predeceased by his brother, Harry Chapman Leffingwell III.
Other relatives include Marylyn, Jimmy and Frances Sinobio of Long Island, N.Y., and Mary, Joseph and Julianna Sinobio of Las Vegas, Nev.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill had a kind and gentle spirit and loved life and was an eternal optimist he looked forward to each beautiful day.
The family will receive guests between 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Goldfinch Litchfield/Pawleys Island Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's, www.alzinfo.org/donations.
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Litchfield/Pawleys Island Chapel is in charge.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Leffingwell
1 Entry
Sue Meany
October 1, 2009
Dear Ricky, Both Bill and I were saddened to hear about Bill's death. We have always enjoyed spending time with the two of you. He was such a kind and gentle person. We will all miss him. Sincerely, Sue & Bill Meany
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