William Merrill McCormick

Posted

William (Bill, Mac, Bill Mac) Merrill McCormick, 88, of Warwick, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2018.

Born and raised on the East Side of Providence, RI, Bill was the son of the late Katharine (Kay) Merrill McCormick and William Best McCormick. Bill was a graduate of the Moses Brown School, Amherst College (Class of 1950) and Wharton Business School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and Naval Reserve, retiring as a Commander after twenty years of service. Later in life he earned two additional Masters degrees, one in counseling and one in religious education. Bill devoted his career to business, was employed by several companies in Rhode Island, including Brown and Sharpe and A.T. Cross Company, and taught at Johnson & Wales University. Throughout his life, Bill was a dear friend, mentor and pastoral counselor to many people, guiding them in career choices, life decisions and sharing in their spiritual journeys. He also served as a volunteer chaplain at Kent and Miriam Hospitals for over fifteen years, offering comfort to thousands of patients. With great wit, wisdom, a phenomenal memory, and a love of English, Latin and Yiddish turns of phrase, he entertained and supported all who were fortunate to know and love him. In addition, Bill possessed a passion for photography and vintage Porsches.

Bill is survived by his sister Martha McCormick Hesse of Hopkinton, MA, his nephew Stephen Hesse of Tokyo, Japan, his niece Kim Hesse of Hopkinton, MA, his great-nephews, Kye Hesse and Tai Martire, and his great-niece Kate Martire. His family extends their deepest appreciation to two of Bill’s closest friends, Paul Brookes and Brian Lucier, for their steadfast love and support.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Pierce Street, East Greenwich, RI. Burial will follow at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI. Arrangements entrusted to the Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick. www.murphyfuneralhomes.org