Members of the Union community are mourning the loss of Professor Emeritus William C. Aubrey, who helped establish the College’s Mechanical Engineering Department. He died Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the age of 87.
Prof. Aubrey, who lived in Mayfield, N.Y. and Punta Gorda, Fla. was with the College from 1955 until his retirement in 1989.
A native of Hudson Falls, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He held a bachelor’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master’s in engineering from Union.
He joined the College’s fledging Mechanical Engineering department after a position at General Electric.
Described at his retirement by colleague Gardner Ketchum as “energetic, eager and enthusiastic,” Aubrey arrived as the new department had begun to expand its laboratories. “Bill's spirit and ability rapidly filled that need admirably,” Ketchum said. “He brought the same kind of enthusiasm and ability to the classroom.”
He played the viola and sang in church choirs in New York and Florida. He was an honorary member of the Mayfield Yacht Club. Bill enjoyed sailing, kayaking, Union sports, golf and time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 47 years, Margaret Ellis Aubrey; a son, William C. Aubrey II ’68; and three daughters, Jennifer Peterson, Amy Wnuk and Beth (Aubrey ’90) Stephan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice or another charity.
A memorial service is to be announced.