DALTON, WILLIAM JOSEPH
Published: February 10, 2008

DALTON--William Joseph, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 31, 2008 in Charleston, South Carolina. The funeral service will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, February 4th in the Chapel at Bishop Gadsden. 

Funeral services are being handled by Palmetto Cremation Society. Bill was born in Orange, New Jersey on March 14, 1924 to Thomas and Margaret Dalton. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Jeanne Foote Dalton; son Mark, wife Susan of Scarsdale, New York, and grandsons Erik, Kurt (Michele) and Chris; son Roger, wife Lynn of Kettering, Ohio, and grandchildren Katie and Joe; daughter Denise, husband Rob Schneider of Hinsdale, Illinois, and grandchildren Elizabeth, Emily, and Will; and his sister Mary Theresa, husband Joseph Fitzgerald and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Bill attended Pratt Institute prior to his appointment in October 1942 to the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, where he was commissioned in June 1944 as an Ensign in the US Naval Reserve and received a BS degree in Naval Science. Bill served in the Atlantic and Pacific, the latter with the Pacific Fleet and was involved in the war in the Philippine Islands and Japan. 

He served on the USS Neshoba and the USS Franks in the battles of Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. He was present on the USS Neshoba at the surrender ceremony in August 1945 in Tokyo Bay. He earned three battle stars during this period. Bill left the USS Neshoba and was assigned to the office of Naval Research and Invention at Sands Point, Long Island in January 1946. 

He left active duty and assumed Naval Reserve status in September 1946 when he entered Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He received a BS degree International Economics at the Foreign Service School at Georgetown in june 1948. He joined WR Grace & Co. in 1948 and then was recalled for the Korean Conflict by the Navy and served from 1950-1952. 

During Korean Service, he was Aide and Flag Lieutenant to Admiral Robert Briscoe, who was Commander Naval Forces, Far East. Bill served aboard the USS Wisconsin, the Admiral's flagship, during the period. In 1952 bill joined General motors corporation, the beginning of a 32 year career which included executive and senior executive positions in the GM Truck and Coach Division, the Corporate Manufacturing Staff, the Frigidaire Division, the Terex Division, and I.B.H (UK). Since his retirement in 1984, Bill and Jeanne have been residents at Seabrook Island and Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community. 

Bill has at various times been a member of many boards and committees, including the Medical University of South Carolina President's Advisory Committee, the Storm Eye Institute Advisory Board, the College of Charleston, Board of Visitors and Foundation Board, President of The Club at Seabrook Island and Chairman of Bishop Gadsden's Residents Council Administration and Finance Committee. Memorials can be made to Bishop Gadsden Residents Assistant Fund, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412 or Medical University of South Carolina Foundation, 261 Calhoun St., Suite 306, Charleston, SC 29425.