Dr. William "Bill" Wright Kuhn

Columbia: Dr. William "Bill" Wright Kuhn, 75, of Columbia, died Thursday, October 24, 2013. Born in Philadelphia, PA on July 22, 1938, he was a son of the late John G. Kuhn and Helen Wright Kuhn. Bill attended St. Philomena Catholic School in Lansdowne, PA, and graduated from West Catholic High School, Class of 1956. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Drexel Institute of Technology, Class of 1961, a Masters of Mathematics 1963 and a PhD in Applied Mathematics 1971 from the University of Pennsylvania. He lived in Philadelphia until 1988, relocated to Alexandria, VA from 1988-2008, and five years ago, moved to Columbia, SC with his wife, Joan.

Dr. Kuhn was a Professor of Mathematics at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia from 1961-1979 and was tenured. He also held an adjunct faculty position at Temple University. After leaving academics, Dr. Kuhn enjoyed a long career in consulting for the military and government. From 1979-1987 Dr. Kuhn held a position as Manager of Executive Staff for Price Systems Analysis at RCA/GE and Principal Member of Engineering with GE/Price Systems in Moorestown, NJ. The majority of Dr. Kuhn's consulting was through the MITRE Corporation from 1988-2006 during which time he had opportunities to work on many challenging projects including Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and the Federal Aviation Administration's work towards privatization of major airports in Egypt and Panama. In 2004 he retired from full time consulting with the title of Principal Scientist and moved to part-time status. From 1999 to 2006, Dr Kuhn also consulted to Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' space exploration company, working primarily on developing a sunlight-powered spacecraft whose purpose was to prevent asteroids/comets from hitting Earth and causing destruction. His expertise in math-physics was invaluable. In addition, using his technical and management skills, he was key in helping to identify and manage lines of promising research and the scientists performing the work. Since moving to Columbia, Bill has been involved with Senior Resources Meals on Wheels Program, The Golden K Kiwanis Club of Columbia, Trinity Cathedral Study Buddies Program at WA Perry Elementary School as a math tutor, and Cooperative Ministries VITA program as an IRS certified tax preparer.

Bill's family and friends remember him as courageously moral with a strong commitment to family and friends. He will also always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Joan Corley Kuhn; children, Dr. Julia K. (Jenkins) Mikell of Columbia, Eric M. Kuhn and Joel M. Kuhn, both of Philadelphia; grandchildren, Ryan M. Kuhn, Isabelle M. Mikell, Sydney E. Kuhn, Isaac J. Mikell, IV; siblings, John G. (Janice) Kuhn III of Philadelphia, Nancy K. (Douglas) Kirkpatrick of Buffalo, NY, Mary L. Kuhn of Philadelphia and Francis X. (Karen) Kuhn of Brockport, NY.; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the home of Julia and Jenkins Mikell, 8 Lord Nelson Ct, Columbia, from 4 until 6 o'clock, Sunday evening, October 27th. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 o'clock, November 9th at Holy Cross Cemetery, 626 Bailey Road, Yeadon, PA, with a reception to follow. The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Lawrence Place, 2400 Waites Rd, Columbia, SC 29204 or to Meals on Wheels, c/o Senior Resources, 2817 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205