Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1940

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

5130 Wisconsin Ave NW

Washington, District of Columbia

WILLIAM MCNAMARA Obituary

MCNAMARA Dr. William Adams McNamara Dr. William Adams McNamara "Will" passed away Wednesday, November 3 at the age of 81. He was born in Washington, DC on October 1, 1940 to Dr. Charles Edwin McNamara and Virginia Adams McNamara. Will is survived by his cherished wife of 28 years, Jane Herrold McNamara; his son William Adams McNamara Jr. (Elizabeth Cruz McNamara); his daughter Patricia Ann McNamara, brother John Adams McNamara (Joan McClure McNamara) and 6 grandchildren, Will, Hank, Nicole, Samantha, Parker and Whitley. Will was a beloved Brother in Law, Uncle and Pop Pop to the entire Herrold Family. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Margaret McNamara. A graduate of Landon School in Bethesda, Will went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University School of Medicine. Will completed his residencies in general surgery and orthopedic surgery at George Washington University Hospital-Washington Hospital Center. At the start of his career as an orthopedic surgeon, Will served as a Major in the United States Army stationed at Fort Carson Army Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Upon his return to Maryland, Will established his private medical practice in orthopedic surgery in Bethesda, Maryland. A devoted surgeon and doctor with a compassionate bedside manner, many of Will's patients and colleagues were among his closest friends. His medical career spanned his lifetime, with affiliations at Suburban Hospital, Holy Cross and Shady Grove. Will served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Suburban Hospital from 1984-1986. Will's professional affiliations included the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Maryland Medical Society, and the Montgomery County Medical Society. Will also served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Bethesda and was a member of Chevy Chase Country Club. After a 6 month battle with pancreatic cancer, Will passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family and his beloved dog Gracie. Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, November 12 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5949 Western Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20015. A memorial mass will take place at 11 a.m., and interment will be private. Memorial donations can be made to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament or to the Suburban Hospital Foundation Dr. William McNamara Memorial Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM MCNAMARA

Not sure what to say?





Elaine Rice-Fells

November 26, 2024

So sorry read about my favorite Dr. by way of Google, though did try over the years via the office but to no avail. I'm sure the story of my recovery and return to my normal life (as he promised) would make him smile. He was always the coolest Dr. about his business, encouraging professionally. I always knew when he was about to enter my exam room, as he would hum a certain hum.

So, I'd just like to thank you, posthumously and hope that you're Resting Peacefully.

Elaine Rice-Fells

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

Dr. Roberto and Katie Soto

Sent Flowers

Eric Mueller

November 10, 2021

Eric Mueller

November 10, 2021

Eric Mueller

November 10, 2021

Eric Mueller

November 10, 2021

Eric Mueller

November 10, 2021

Will,

You will be missed. I have many fond memories of good times and laughs together -- Duck Unlimited dinners, goose hunting on the eastern shore, riding around in old cars, Redskin games, Louis Rukeyser, etc. There was the infamous "AQA" announcement that became our favorite shared joke. I always admired your kindness and generosity. I have included a few pics of you with your grandchildren. I hope you found a cold Diet-Coke waiting for you.

Eric

Wes Schuyler

November 9, 2021

Will, although we lost contact after I went to Georgetown Prep and you went to Landon, I always remembered our days in scouting and later summer visits to Sherwood Forest. I regret not seeing you on my visits to DC later in life. RIP, see you on the other side my friend.

Michelle Christ

November 9, 2021

Dr. McNamara was the kindest person. I have had the pleasure of knowing him for the past 15 years while working at Suburban Hospital. Sadly, he will be missed.

Michael McCabe

November 9, 2021

On behalf of the Landon School Alumni Association, please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. May he rest in peace.

Sandy McNamara

November 9, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Frank Titus

November 9, 2021

RIP Bill.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in WILLIAM MCNAMARA's name

Memorial Events
for WILLIAM MCNAMARA

Nov

12

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

5949 Western Avenue NW, Washington, DC, DC

Nov

12

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

5949 Western Avenue NW, Washington, DC, DC

Funeral services provided by:

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

How to support WILLIAM's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor WILLIAM MCNAMARA's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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