Dr. William John Neglia

COLUMBIA - Dr. William J. Neglia, 76, died on Thursday, February 13, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025, at The Basilica of Saint Peter, 1529 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC, with interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery. The Very Rev. Canon Gary Linsky will officiate. A reception will follow in Neglia Hall. The link for those who wish to livestream the service: https://m.facebook.com/visitstpeters/

Born on February 15, 1948 in Teaneck, N.J., he was the son of the late William Jesse and Mary Copp Neglia. He subsequently moved to Cedartown, Ga., where he graduated from high school with honors, followed by graduation from Carson Newman College with honors. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia followed by his residency in Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. He was honored for his original research in prostate cancer treatment with radiation, winning a first place award among all cancer researchers in 1977. His research was later published in a peer reviewed medical publication and was followed by dozens of scientific papers on a wide variety of cancer related subjects.

Following completion of his training, he was assigned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center as Chief of Radiation Oncology and Consultant to the Surgeon General’s Office. During his time in Washington, he taught part time at Georgetown University Medical Center and George Washington University Medical School where he was a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine in Radiation Oncology. With the program directors at Bethesda Naval Hospital and the National Cancer Institute, he helped establish a joint training program for residency training in Radiation Oncology for all branches of the U.S. Military.

After nine years of Army active duty, he moved to South Carolina to enter private practice. He was a founding partner of South Carolina Oncology Associates and remained in practice until his retirement in 2015. He was an active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where he served on the Finance Council, the Men’s Prayer group as well as Adult Education Study. He also volunteered at Harvest Hope Food Bank for many years. His philanthropic, volunteer and missionary efforts were recognized by Pope Francis in 2020 with the award of the Benemerenti Medal for service to the church. He will be remembered for his strong faith, excellent medical care, his tender heart and generosity.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Bradley Neglia; daughter, Angela Durand (Rye); son, Michael Christopher Neglia; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Sandy Bradley; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Patrick and Denise Bradley; nieces and nephews; as well as his cherished friends, Dr. Michael and Donna Ugino.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1529 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.