Ithaca: William McGuire died peacefully at his home on January 31, 2013.Ithaca: William McGuire died peacefully at his home on January 31, 2013.
Born December 17, 1920 on Staten Island, NY, he was the son of Edward J. and Phoebe (Sellman) McGuire. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University in 1942, Bill served in the Navy in the Pacific during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin. He then earned a Master of Engineering degree from Cornell University and was appointed to the faculty of Cornell's School of Civil Engineering in 1949. After 40 years of teaching, researching, consulting, and international lecturing, he retired in 1989 as professor emeritus. In addition to several highly regarded textbooks on structural engineering and awards, he received the highest professional honor when inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 1994.
Bill married Barbara Weld of Hartford in 1944, and for 65 years together they offered their hospitality to friends and students in their home in Ithaca and traveled extensively throughout the world. After retirement, he continued to participate in civil engineering activities and Rotary Club events.
He is survived by two sons, Robert (Judy) of Ithaca and Thomas (Maria Nieves) of Tucson, AZ; two granddaughters, Christina (Brendan) McGuire Adelman of West Baldwin, ME and Marketa (Zach) Elsner of Lakewood, CO; and two great-grandsons, Cash Thomas Adelman and Elias Weld Elsner. In addition to a close family friend, Helen McGuire Ferriss of Gainesville, GA and Bob's wife Judy, all were present at his bedside.
At his request, memorial gifts may be made to the William McGuire Master of Engineering Fellowship, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University. Bangs Funeral Home will be assisting the family.