Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Middlebrook Obituary
William T. Middlebrook Naples, FL
William Theophilus Middlebrook, 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 WW 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 Company for 20 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 20 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 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.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, to whom he was married for 54 years; three children, Nancy (Robert) Harvey of Scottsdale, AZ, Robert (Bonnie) Middlebrook of Bedford, NH, and William (Christina) Middlebrook of Dunstable, MA; 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 on Saturday, November 15th at 1:00 p.m. 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.
www.fullerfuner alhome.com
Pine Ridge Road
592-1611
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Middlebrook
4 Entries
Mike Casey
November 23, 2008
Mr. Middlebrook,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the USN during WW II as a "Tin Can Sailor" aboard Destroyer Escorts. The Men who served aboard the destroyer escorts during WW II were some of the unsung heroes of the War-they escort convoys and defended them against submarine and air attacks as well as hunted down submarines and provided crucial support in amphibious operations as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Connie Hilgemann
November 12, 2008
Marilyn & family - I was saddened to learn of Bill's passing. I have wonderful memories of the kisses (chocolate) Bill and I exchanged in the beauty salon when he would bring you in and pick you up. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was so compassionate and kind to so many people. Bill was a very loving and giving man and loved his Marilyn very much. Marilyn, I will be down to see you in January. Love & Hugs - Connie Hilgemann (Marilyn's hairdresser for many years in Naples).
Armand & Lucie Kazarian
November 12, 2008
Maybe it had a little to do with the fact that we came from Needham, but the moment we walked into the church in Naples, Bill became a friend. He gave of himself tirelessly to his church and community. Thanks to him we all got to enjoy the Red Sox at spring training.
William Morrison
November 12, 2008
Bill & Mary Morrison, sorry to learn about Bill passing, it was wonderful knowing him while living in Needham, our deepest condolences to you & the family.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in William Middlebrook's name
Memorial Events
for William Middlebrook
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Middlebrook's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
