Born July 2, 1937 – Summit, New Jersey
William Hobart Buchanan, Jr.
William Hobart Buchanan, Jr., known to many as “Bill,” passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born July 2, 1937, in Summit, New Jersey and is predeceased by his parents, Margaret Rolfs Buchanan and William Hobart Buchanan, and his sister, Lynnette Buchanan Bennett.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. His quick wit, infectious laugh, and playful sense of humor brought joy to all who knew him. A lifelong athlete, he was passionate about tennis and paddle tennis, playing avidly in New Canaan, CT; Southwest Harbor, ME; and Naples, FL. His warmth, kindness, and loyalty made him beloved by friends and colleagues around the world. Many recall his deep love of life and fondness for travel, especially to Paris, a city he adored and where he once lived as a newlywed with his wife Ellie while working at the law firm Shearman & Sterling. Fluent in French, Bill embraced French culture with enthusiasm.
He attended Short Hills Country Day School and Pingry School in New Jersey before graduating from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs in 1959 and Harvard Law School in 1963. Bill was especially proud of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He loved being an Eagle Scout and was selected to appear on the TV quiz show Name That Tune.
Professionally, Bill built a distinguished career in law and corporate leadership. Following his time at Shearman & Sterling, he served as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, and Senior Vice President of the Reuben H. Donnelley Corporation. He was then promoted to Associate General Counsel, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, and Vice President Law at the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation.
Bill was deeply committed to community service and held numerous leadership positions, including Princeton University Alumni Council and as class president and treasurer. He served on the boards of the Princeton Club of New York and Southwest Florida; Greater Naples Leadership; Collier Senior Center; American Society of Corporate Secretaries; and ABC House in New Canaan. As chairman of the Friends of the Library of Collier County, he established the Nick Linn Lecture Series. A founding member and trustee of Naples Community Church, Bill’s faith and dedication to community remained central throughout his life.
Bill was a longtime member of the New York St. Andrew’s Society where he served annually as Captain of the Color Guard. He loved his membership in the wine group, La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Summers in Southwest Harbor, Maine were cherished and where he was active in several organizations, including Friends of Acadia, the Pot and Kettle Club, and the Causeway Club, where he served as treasurer. Other club memberships included Royal Poinciana, Grey Oaks, the Port Royal Club, and the New Canaan Field Club.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eleanor Ames Lincoln Buchanan of Naples, FL; his two daughters, Diana Ames Buchanan Reynolds (Richard Roland Reynolds) of Alexandria, VA, and Jessica Ray Buchanan Sapp (Benjamin Cullifer Pickens Sapp) of Charleston, SC; his sister Wendy Buchanan Merrill of Denver, CO; and three grandchildren, India Ames Reynolds and Hobart Samuel Reynolds of Alexandria, VA, and William Buchanan Rawlins of Charleston, SC, along with many nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for all the caregivers at Moorings Park who provided support and loving care for Bill. A celebration of life will be held on May 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Bower Chapel, Moorings Park Dr, Naples, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Naples Community Church, Collier Senior Center, or Friends of Acadia.
https://naplescommunitychurch.org