Dr. William (“Bill”) Finan Linke, age 93, died on March 20th 2018 of natural causes. A resident of Stamford for over 60 years, he was predeceased by Dr. Ruth A. Linke, his beloved wife of 60 years, and is survived by their three children William (Cettina), Robert, and Jennifer (Dino), and by his grandson Louis William Rogowski. In addition to a distinguished scientific and professional career, Dr. Linke was very active in Stamford civic affairs. He was born in Ravena, NY on August 5th, 1924, to parents Martin and Grace Evelyn Linke (nee Finan). After moving to New York City as a child, he attended the Bronx High School of Science and graduated cum laude from City College in 1945, receiving the American Institute of Chemical Engineers student medal. He went on to earn his PhD. in Chemistry from New York University in 1948, and remained at NYU as an Instructor and Assistant Professor for six years. In 1949 he met and married the love of his life, the former Ruth Ann Renz. In 1957 he accepted a position as Senior Chemist at the Stamford Laboratories of American Cyanamid. As his career progressed, he was promoted in turn to be Manager of Paper Chemical R&D (+ Technical Service), Manager of Applications R&D (Catalysts, Plastics, Resins, and Chemical Engineering), Director of the Chemical Research Division, and finally, Director of Technology Coordination and Director of Licensing for the Chemicals Group. He authored 45 scientific papers and a laboratory textbook on Qualitative Chemical Analysis. Ever the researcher, he later became the editor of Solubilities monographs published by the American Chemical Society. He wrote many articles for Chemical analytical texts and professional journals. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, the Technical Association Pulp and Paper Industry, the Society of Chemical Industry, the Licensing Executives Society, and he was elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering. In addition to his career with American Cyanamid, Dr. Linke was very involved with the City of Stamford. He was a member of the Democratic City Committee from 1964-72 (19th and 20th Districts) for 8 years, and was Chairman of the City Committee in 1972. He was a member of the Stamford Fire Commission for 8 years (1975-83, Chairman for 4 years) and served on the Stamford Planning Board for 8 years. In 1968 he was Co-Chairman of the Mayor’s Conference on Human Rights and Opportunities, and a member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Water Quality from 1969-70. He was also a member of the University of Connecticut Industrial Advisory Committee, a delegate to State and Congressional Democratic Conventions from 1967-72, a member of the Case Legislature Advisory Committee on PCB waste disposal, and President of the North Stamford Democratic Club in 1972. He also served as President of Willard-Hoyt and Dolan PTAs. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Linke enjoyed many outdoor activities. In his younger days he often went camping with his friends, and hiking to remote areas to collect mineral specimens. A Life Member of the U.S. Power Squadron, he progressed through the ranks and finally served as Commander of the Stamford squadron for 4 years. He was a member of the Halloween Yacht Club, where for some years he kept his own boat. He loved to travel and did so extensively with his wife throughout the United States, Europe and Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Alaska. The lake house at Candlewood was the place where he most enjoyed spending time with his family. Friends and family will be received on Saturday, March 24, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905. To share condolences please visit leopgallagherstamford.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory can be made to the American Chemical Society, or to Constellation Hospice in Norwalk, CT.
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