William W. "Bill" Doolittle Iii

William W. Doolittle III ("Bill"), 82, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away on November 6, 2025, following a brief illness. He died peacefully with his beloved wife of 56 years and his two cherished daughters by his side. Bill was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on August 21, 1943, to William W. Doolittle, Jr., and Elsie May (Harrington) Doolittle. He was the eldest of four children and spent his childhood in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Bill attended Penn State University and finished his education at Ohio Northern University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1969, later earning his Master's Degree at Central Michigan University. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career spanning from 1969 to 2007 in the automotive industry, beginning at Chrysler Corporation. During his career at Chrysler, he contributed to the company's innovations, including early work on electric vehicles, developments at the Chrysler Proving Grounds, and Special Vehicles. Throughout his tenure, he traveled abroad frequently, often to Italy. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating on a joint project between Chrysler and Maserati. A natural inventor and designer, he developed numerous patents. In his retirement, Bill was an active community volunteer and especially enjoyed his time working with Chelsea Community Hospital.
Bill met the love of his life, Barbara, in college. They married upon graduation in the summer of 1969, skipping Woodstock, which took place the same weekend. During this period, Bill served his country for six years in the Army National Guard.
Bill and Barb raised their two daughters, Abby and Anne, in a red saltbox home they designed together, inspired by Bill's New England roots. He took great pride in home projects and the warm environment he provided for his family, which meant everything to him. Bill was known as "Poppy" to his five grandchildren, who absolutely adored and looked up to him. They were the light of his life, bringing him great joy. Many happy memories were made with family and friends during their summers spent in Charlevoix.
His love for adventure and his mechanical inclination inspired Bill's many interests. He was an instrument-rated pilot and a member of the Ann Arbor Flyers. A lifelong love of sailing began as a child on Long Island Sound in Connecticut. This passion continued throughout his life. He served as Commodore of the Huron Portage Yacht Club in 1989 and was a member of the Charlevoix Yacht Club for 25 years. Bill and Barb sailed their boat, First Light, extensively in the Great Lakes, and they enjoyed many trips sailing in the Caribbean. Bill competed in the 2017 Chicago to Mackinac race with his two sons-in-law and grandson. Bill and Barb spent their retirement years traveling, and he particularly enjoyed the beautiful drives they took in the Azores.
Bill was known as a kind-hearted and generous gentleman who was quick to help others. He could be counted on for just about anything. He was warm, welcoming, and made others genuinely feel that he was interested in them and that they mattered.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Spence) Doolittle; his daughters, Abby (Daniel) O'Haver, Anne (Marco) Marques; and his grandchildren, William, Annabel, Olivia O'Haver, and Nathaniel and Clara Marques; sister Harriet (George) Burrell, brother Jack (Marie) Doolittle, sister Dee (Hank Horn) Doolittle; sister and brother in-law Patty and Bob Hanna; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. A memorial service will follow from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to celebrate Bill's life. Memorial donations in honor of Bill may be made to Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement Sanctuary, 300 East Haddam Road, Salem, CT 06420, a non-profit founded by his sister, Dee, and close to Bill's heart for its dedication to the care and well-being of animals.