Obituary of William J DuMond

William John DuMond

May 25, 1939 – November 10, 2021

Lifelong learner, tireless worker, devoted husband, father and grandfather, lover of country and all things “The Bronx”, William John DuMond returned to God on November 10, 2021 at the age of 82. He died peacefully with his beloved wife of 59 years, Ellen, by his side.

Born on May 25, 1939 in the Bronx, New York, Will was the son of Edna and Rex DuMond and brother of of Virginia DuMond Licitra. William overcame a childhood that was wrought with challenges. He was raised primarily by his paternal grandmother, Anabel Martin, who taught him to love reading. Will turned to books to endure childhood hardships and make his way to a better life. In 1956, Will graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. Will attained a perfect score on his college entry exam and received an academic scholarship to Fordham University. He graduated with BA in Economics in 1960. While at Fordham, Will rowed on the crew team and worked in the Local 3 Electricians Union each summer. Will went on to receive full academic scholarship to New York University and graduated with a MBA in 1962.

From 1962-1968, Will proudly served in the United States National Guard and Army Reserve; all the while working at Deloitte Haskins & Sells where he became a Certified Public Accountant. His CPA certification opened new doors, giving Will the opportunity to work as a college professor. Though teaching was his second job, his family will always maintain that it was his true calling. From 1968 – 1998, Will, a banker by day, was an adjunct professor of accounting by night. He taught accounting classes at Fordham University, New York University and Pace University. He loved teaching but he felt that accounting was a “dry” subject; still business students lined up for his classes. Year after year, it never took long for word to spread on campus that Professor DuMond’s accounting classes were lively, filled with wonderful anecdotes, tasteful jokes and always a little history (Bronx or World). By day, the majority of his professional career was spent at HSBC as Head of Capital Markets Operations. He loved his job. His work travels took a Bronx kid who had never ventured farther than Pennsylvania throughout Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. Most importantly, while at HSBC, Will had a reputation for always trying to create new jobs within his department for employees whose departments where downsizing at the bank. He was always willing to go to bat for a fellow hard-working family-person who needed a break.

While Will had many professional gifts to offer, his greatest gift was his beautiful, kind, heart and his adoration of marriage and family. In 1957 at the age of 18 he met the true love of his life, a beautiful Bronx-Irish maiden, Ellen Traynor, who was 16 at the time. They were young and smitten but quickly also grew to realize that they shared the bond of hard childhoods in the South Bronx and a passion to work together to build a better life. (They also shared a love of books.) Through Ellen, Will also quickly gained a family of three darling little sisters, Margaret (“Bernie”), Mary and Lillian. In their mother Margaret Traynor, he also found a Mom who truly loved him. He looked after them as they did him. How they loved “Willy”.

In 1963, Will and Ellen welcomed their precious daughter Alison and a second daughter, Courtney in 1967. Will loved his daughters and worked tirelessly to give them a wonderful life. To his dying day, each time they spoke, he told them how much he loved them and was proud of them. Alison and Courtney went on to marry kind men and excellent fathers, Robert Woodard and Douglas Donohue. Will loved his son in-laws. In his heart, they truly were his sons.

In 1994, Will received the most memorable and cherished role of his life: “Papa Will”. Just like husband, dad and professor, grandfather was a role Will was truly born for. He was overjoyed to welcome Nicholas Donohue followed by Traynor Donohue, Barrett Woodard and Lily Donohue. He treasured them all and filled their lives with so many memories. He lived to tell them jokes, bring them cookies, and write them haikus. Together with Grandma Ellen, they worked day jobs and night jobs to create summer and weekend memories for the grandkids at the “Little House” in Water Mill. Happiest of times.

Finally, and most everlasting, Will loved to write. From age 18 – 82 he wrote endless poems and essays to his family. His love for his wife and family poured out of his heart and onto paper. He worshipped his sweet, loving Ellen and was ever grateful for the way she loved and cared for him. He left behind countless odes to her. In his last hours he struggled to write “Marcus Aurelius” on paper at the hospital. Will lived his life by the words of the great emperor and philosopher who he so admired. “Do not act as if you were going to live 10,000 years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.”

William John DuMond born, May 25, 1939, given to God on November 10, 2021. As a small boy, Will worked hard in challenging circumstances be kind and good. He died surrounded by love and his family received countless messages about the memories of all the love he gave.

A funeral mass is planned for Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, 5323 East County Road 462, Wildwood, Florida. A celebration of his life will be held in New York in spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org).