William M. Protheroe, 86, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.

He was born Oct. 16, 1925, in Maesteg, Wis., and was the son of William T. and Morfydd Protheroe.

William was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y., Class of 1945, at which time he received a commission to the U.S. Navy. He attended Heidelberg College from September 1946 until June 1948, where he met his beloved wife Anne. William then attended The Ohio State University from September 1949 until March 1955, where he earned his Ph.D. in Astronomy. He then served as Professor of Astronomy and Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. As a Guggenheim Fellow, William conducted research at the Mount John Observatory in New Zealand. Afterward, he accepted a position as Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Astronomy at The Ohio State University, where he held numerous appointments, including Chairman of the Athletic Council, and member of the University Senate. William also served as AAUP president for the OSU Chapter. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 1991. In 1993, William and Anne moved to Port Charlotte, where he was an active member of the South Gulf Cove Yacht Club, the Rotonda Elks, the American Merchant Marine Veterans (Robert J. Mac Alvanah Chapter), and the Royal Astronomical Society.

He is survived by his children, Deborah Everett, William T. (Jeri), Robert (Susan) and Elizabeth (Chris Furuta); grandchildren, Maria (Chris Wooten), Joseph (Folake), Megan (Steve Hauber), Benjamin (Heather), Daniel, Erin (Eddy Blanchard), Elizabeth (Corey Green), Hannah (Kyle Cooney), Lynsey Furuta, Lloyd Furuta, William J., and Lesley Furuta; and 14 great-grandchildren. William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne.

A gathering for family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m., with a celebration of his life to follow, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at Lemon Bay Funeral Home, 2 Buchans Landing, Englewood, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. You may express your condolences to the family at www.lemonbayfh.com.

Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services.