William M. Platt

William “Bill” Manning Platt, of Easton, MD, died peacefully on May 24, 2015, with family by his side. He was born in Rockville Center, NY, August 22, 1930, the son of the late Walter and Marion Jean Platt. Bill graduated from Lower Pennsylvania Military College, Chester, PA, in 1954, and then married Elizabeth Ann Platt on December 18, 1954. After they married, they were stationed in Nurnberg, Germany, until 1956. Upon returning to the states, they resided in Berwyn, PA, until 1972, and then moved to Wayland, MA. In 1989, Bill and Liz became permanent residents in Easton, MD. Upon being discharged from the Army, Bill was employed at Hollingsworth Switch as a Sales Representative. In 1961, he was recruited by Cahners Publishing Company as a Salesman for Design News. From there, he quickly rose through the ranks holding multiple management positions before ultimately being named President and CEO of the Cahners Magazine Division. During his time as President/CEO, he and his executive team built Cahners (Ultimately Reed Business Information) into the largest and most respected international Business-to-Business Publishing Company prior to retiring in March of 1992. In retirement, Bill was involved with the Waterfowl Festival for many years, due to his love of hunting. The “Arcove Goose Club” was a passion he shared with his friends for many years. Along with being an avid hunter, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Most importantly, Bill and his beloved wife were avid world travelers, always exploring new destinations around the globe. Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren affectionately knew him as “Pop Pop.” Bill was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Ann Platt. He is survived by his four children, daughter, Elizabeth P. Dahlen and her husband Gary B. Dahlen, their son, Christopher and his wife Katelyn of Bend, OR, and their daughter Elizabeth of Gettysburg, PA; son William M. Platt Jr. and his wife Betsy of Westford, MA.; son, Christopher W. Platt of West Palm Beach, FL; and daughter, Karen P. Donahue and her husband Brian F. Donahue, their sons Connor and Ryan of Medford, MA. A celebration of life will be held at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Oxford, MD, on Saturday, June 20th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of William M. Platt, to the Bayleigh Chase Memory Clinic Expansion, Attn: April Hauf, 501 Dutchman's Lane, Easton, Maryland 21601.

William M. Platt

August 22, 1930 - May 24, 2015