William S. Penhallow ’55

William S. Penhallow ’55, of Charlestown, R.I.; Jan. 15, after a prolonged illness. He was a professor of physics and astronomy at URI for 35 years. Early in his career he conducted research at the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory. He also taught and conducted research at Brown, Wesleyan University, and Indiana University. He served as director of the URI Quonochontaug observatory and was one of the founders and first directors of the Frosty Drew Observatory in Ninigret Park, Charlestown. He was a lifelong member of Skyscrapers, the Amateur Astronomical Society of Rhode Island, the American Astronomical Society, and the American Association of Variable Star Observers. As a member of the New England Antiquities Research Association, he made groundbreaking discoveries concerning the solar, lunar, and stellar alignments in the Newport Tower in Tower Park, Newport, R.I. He also served as chairman of the Chariho and Charlestown school committees and was the Charlestown Town Moderator. He was a Mason, past master at the Franklin Lodge and past high priest at Unity Chapter. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; four sons and their spouses; four grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a brother; and nieces and nephews.