William McNaughton Hart

William McNaughton Hart, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in California. A loving husband, father, grandfather, engineer, and friend, Bill lived a life defined by generosity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to his community and the people he loved.

Born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan to Frederick Parmenter and Ardath (née McNaughton) Hart, Bill’s lifelong commitment to service and his love of animals began early. As a boy volunteering at the local Humane Society, he brought home every animal his mother would allow, including cats, dogs, chickens, goats and even a monkey and an ocelot. He grew up sailing, water skiing, and ice boating on Lake St. Clair, and spent much of his life on or near the water, in and around boats.

After high school, Bill served in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon discharge, he enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Naval Architecture and Aerospace Engineering. During his college years, he met the love of his life, Anne Hammond, during the summer debutante season. They married in 1966, moved to Newport News, Virginia and built a wonderful life of true partnership surrounded by a close-knit group of dear friends. Later in his career, Bill earned his Executive MBA from the College of William & Mary.

Bill spent his entire professional career at the Newport News Shipyard, specializing in nuclear submarines until his retirement at age 62. A true engineer at heart, Bill could fix almost anything. He loved building things and solving problems, often spending weekends helping friends and family repair everything from creaky doors to broken appliances—even computers and printers in the early days of tech—always with patience, skill, and satisfaction. He especially loved spending time with his daughter Chrissie, from teaching her how to build and fix things at a young age, attending every game and meet of hers in high school, to visiting her and his grandsons in California.

A deeply engaged member of his community, Bill served on the boards of the Peninsula SPCA and the Virginia Living Museum. Embodying the motto of “Service above Self,” he was also a dedicated Rotarian. In addition to serving as President, he was especially passionate about the Rotary exchange program. He and Anne frequently opened their home to international students and visiting Rotarians. He was also actively involved with the Mariners’ Museum where he and Anne were members of the Bronze Door Society.

Bill’s interests were wide-ranging and enthusiastically pursued. He loved music, sailing and traveling with Anne and their friends. He took particular joy in riding and tinkering with his beloved Triumph Bonneville motorcycle, affectionately known as “Bonnie.” Above all, he was a helper —someone who always made time for others, offering up his assistance, his attention, and his many skills.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Frederick Parmenter Hart, Jr.; his sister, Linda Hart; and Anne, his beloved wife of 58 years. He is survived by his daughter, Christine Hart Clay; her husband, Harrison Straus Clay; and by his grandsons, Joseph Pennington, William Carter, and Lyle McNaughton Clay.

Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor, his ingenuity and his unwavering willingness to lend a hand. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held at the Virginia Living Museum on Saturday, May 9th at 5:30 PM. All who loved or were helped by Bill are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Peninsula Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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