William P. Deary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Paul Deary on November 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Bill was born on January 30, 1932 in Superior, Wisconsin to William Agnew Deary and Marie Elizabeth Madden. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann Nikiel, and his sister Elizabeth Mary Deary. He is survived by his sons, David (Rita) Deary and Daniel (Nadyne), and four grandsons: Nicholas, William, Benjamin, and Christopher Deary.

Bill received his bachelor’s degree in history from Manhattan College, New York in 1953. During his summers he worked as a ranger for the National Park Service at the Statue of Liberty. While working as the night watchman there he would sometimes climb into the Statue’s torch at dawn, to watch the sun rise over Manhattan. Upon graduation he completed a year of graduate study in history, as a Fulbright scholar, at the University of Vienna. He then entered the United States Army, where he served in the heavy mortar company of the 351st Regimental Combat Team, and in the Army Aviation Center Technical Library, at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Bill then spent 30 years working for the Department of State. He entered the Foreign Service and was assigned as a vice-counsel in Aden, present day Yemen. He spent most of his career in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR). Among his assignments there were as the Executive Assistant to the Bureau Director, and as the Deputy Director of the Office of Intelligence Resources. In the latter role he was instrumental in the establishment of INR’s imagery center.

While working at the State Department, Bill completed a master’s degree in history from The George Washington University in 1971. This was accomplished with the patient assistance of his wife, Mary Ann, who typed several drafts and the final copy. In 1975 he graduated from the National War College, where he logged the most jogging miles in his class. He completed, and later lectured, at the National Senior Cryptologic Course at the National Security Agency.

Following his retirement, Bill completed his doctorate in history at The George Washington University in 1996. His dissertation was titled “Toward Disaster at Fort Washington, November 1776.” Noted author David McCullough requested a copy of the dissertation and cited it in his book, 1776, calling it “the best study” of that battle.

Bill was very active in the activities of his sons as they grew up. He was part of a generation of parents who learned to coach soccer despite never having played, nor even seen, an actual soccer match. He was also a swim meet official and band chaperone. He was a devoted grandfather, and purchased his own copies of the math and Latin textbooks used by the older boys so he could follow along in their studies.

Bill was a member of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church for 55 years, serving as a lector for several years, and later worshipped at Greenspring Senior Living Community with a group supported by Saint Bernadette Catholic Church.

Visitations are on December 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield VA 22151-3311. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am on December 20 at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield VA 22152-2016. Burial will follow at 1:30 pm Quantico National Cemetery located at 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle VA 22172-1636.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation at www.scleroderma.org or (800) 722-4673.