None William Mckibben

Bill McKibben passed away on September 16, 2017 at his home in Hingham, just shy of 93. Born October 6, 1924 in Schenectady, NY to Elliot and Elizabeth (Adams) McKibben, he moved to Dedham, MA at the age of 1 after his mother’s untimely death. He was raised by his beloved grandmother, Ethel (Weaver) Adams, in the home where he would spend the next 84 years of his life. In addition to his grandmother, his early life was heavily influenced by neighbor Harmanus F. Neff, whom Bill referred to as “Uncle Manus” or “Unc,” and whom introduced Bill to his first love – Flying.

A few months after graduating Dedham High School in 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy on his 18th birthday, beginning his training as a Navy Pilot. After serving in WWII, he earned his B.A. from Brown University, graduating in June 1949 as a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He returned to flying the following year, as a commercial pilot for Eastern Airlines. A true company man, Captain McKibben remained at Eastern for the entirety of his career until his retirement in 1984.

As much as he loved flying, it didn’t come close to the love he held for his late wife of 60 years. He married Audrey Jean McKibben (nee Mitchell) of Dedham, MA at Allin Congregational Church on January 31, 1953. They raised their 4 daughters at Bill’s childhood home in Dedham, spending many summers in Scotland, Switzerland, and France. His retirement years were spent traveling, investing, and on his passion for genealogy.

Audrey and Bill are survived by their four daughters: Robin McKibben (and son-in-law Elliot Berk) of Encino, CA; Donna McKibben Cutler of Acton , MA; Heather McKibben of Norton, MA; and Lorna Cogan (and son-in-law Greg Cogan) of Norwell, MA; along with their 7 grandchildren – Margaret Cutler, Ian Cutler, Jared Berk, Sydney Berk, Hayley Berk, Miles Cogan and Devon Cogan.

Interment will be private. A memorial service celebrating the life of William Adams McKibben will be held at Allin Congregational Church in Dedham, MA on November 11, 2017 at 11 o’clock with a reception immediately to follow.

His family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to the Celtic Angels for their exceptional care and support over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Honor of William A. McKibben to The Dedham Historical Society & Museum and The Allin Congregational Church of Dedham