William S. Penhallow: 1933 - 2020
February 2020 :
A major force in astronomy in Rhode Island has left us: William Scott “Bill” Penhallow died January 15, 2020, at age 86. As Astronomy Professor at URI for over 35 years, he was the inspiration to many of us. With my story: Bill allowed me to cover his classes when he was unavailable, resulting in my teaching at URI for many years; Bill alerted me to the need for readers at INSIGHT, the Rhode Island Association for the Blind, where I now have been a volunteer for almost forty years; he allowed me to be a part of a new instrument system he was co-inventing in the ‘80s; Bill introduced me to the planetarium on campus, where for decades I performed programs for the students, local school children, and the general public; finally, when I assumed the directorship of Frosty Drew Observatory, a facility he designed, helped build, and was a factor in its early educational programming, Bill came to our open house to let me know that, when he learned a woman was going to take the role, he knew that only one could be willing, and capable, of doing so.
Bill held two Science Faculty Fellowships from the National Science Foundation to study astronomy at Indiana University, and spent sabbaticals at Brown, Yale, and Wesleyan universities.
Bill was also a factor in the study of the Newport Tower, determining alignments never before realized, leading many to believe that, of its many possibilities, the tower could have been an astronomical structure.
In addition to his professional duties, Bill was a lifelong amateur astronomer, a member of Skyscrapers, Inc., at one point serving as its president. He was also a member of the American Astronomical Society and the American Association of Variable Star Observers. Bill also was a part of the Quonochontaug Yacht Club and its East Beach Association, chairman of the Chariho and Charlestown school committees, and Charlestown Town Moderator.
Bill is survived by his wife Nancy, his four sons and their families, a brother John, and many nieces and nephews. He is also leaving behind a legacy of Astronomy in Rhode Island that can never be equaled.
The Valley Breeze 1/20/2020: William S. Penhallow – Charlestown
