William Wade Awbrey, who lived in Atherton for 42 years, died Jan. 20 at the age of 87.

Awbrey was born in San Francisco to Frances Sisson and Roy Awbrey. He grew up in Dixon, California, and Carson City, Nevada.

He took a break from college at University of the Pacific to attend flight school in Pensacola, Florida, and became a naval aviator, according to information provided by his family.

In 1956, he married Mary Stuart in Washington, D.C. He served six more months in the Navy with squadron VP18 in Jacksonville, Florida, according to his family.

He then enrolled at University of California at Berkeley, serving as a lieutenant in the Navy while attending school. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing.

After college, Awbrey worked for the Continental Can Company. He later held management roles at Scholle Corporation, Pacific Coast Producers and Confab Corporation.

Awbrey actively participated in community affairs in Atherton. He served as president of the Holbrook-Palmer Park Foundation from 1982 to 1984 and was a member of the Park & Recreation Committee from 2007 to 2011. In retirement, he volunteered as a tutor and at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, his family said.

Music was one of Awbrey's greatest passions. He was happiest when he played trumpet, harmonica or the ukulele for his three granddaughters, his family said. Awbrey also enjoyed tennis, golf and skiing.

Awbrey is preceded in death by his daughter Blair. He is survived by his wife Mary Stuart, their two children Craig Awbrey (Carrie) and Lisa Awbrey (Jason), and three granddaughters.

The family is asking that donations in his memory be made to any veterans organization.

A private family service for Awbrey is planned for February.