William Barnum

At 94, Architect, William Milo Barnum (Bill) passed away peacefully at his home in Westport Harbor, MA on November 28th, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Katharine Miller Barnum, they shared fifty years of marriage.

Bill was born on June 17, 1927 in New York City, New York. He was the son of Phelps Barnum and Catherine Cornelia Davis. He grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut and attended Greenwich Country Day School and then Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, where he was a member of the Choir, Glee Club and Octet until graduating in 1945. At 19, Bill was drafted into the Navy and stationed in Saipan for the remainder of World War II. Upon returning from the War, he attended Calhoun College at Yale University, Class of 1950, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He cherished his time at Yale, where he rowed lightweight crew and was a member of the Wolf's Head Society and later President of the Phelps Association, the parent organization of Wolfs Head. He was selected to join The Whiffenpoofs his senior year, where he was known for his distinguished bass voice. He kept active with his former “Whiffs” and would reunite for performances throughout the years. In 1952, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his Master’s in Architecture. Bill was a very active Yale Alum and was a top fundraiser for his class of 1950. Bill amusingly made it clear early on that Harvard was a bad word in his household. He was also a member and President from 1970-1972 of the Yale Club in New York City.

Bill started his architecture career in New York City, where he worked for Eggers and Higgins, before joining his father’s firm, Phelps Barnum & Son Architects. In 1974, he started William Milo Barnum Associates in Greenwich along with his wife, Katharine “Kit”, who headed the Interior Design for the firm. He designed many buildings and homes in Greenwich and throughout New England. His designs included Pickwick Plaza in Greenwich along with the building he occupied with his firm at 115 E. Putnam Avenue. Bill also designed a number of other buildings such as One Lafayette Place. In addition to his career, Bill held many leadership positions which included: Serving as a Board Member for The Field Club of Greenwich, member of the Board of the Episcopal Church Building Fund in NY, President of the Concrete Industry Board, Chairman of the Greenwich Architectural Review Committee and President of the Hollenbeck Club in Cornwall, CT, where he enjoyed Fly Fishing. Bill loved the peace and quiet of fishing and often exaggerated the size of his catch, which amused everyone. Bill was also passionate about sailing which he shared early in life with some of his closest life-long friends and family. He was also a member of the Society of Colonial Wars of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

In 1996 he semi-retired and moved his firm to Providence, RI, where he and Kit found a lovely home on the East Side, the historic, Eliza Ward House, built in 1814. They enjoyed their time in Providence where Bill also rekindled his passion for the fine arts by attending art classes at the Providence Art Club where he studied oil painting and ultimately exhibited his artwork.

Bill’s love of singing started as a boy when he was a member of Christ Church in Greenwich, CT where he later served on the Vestry. Bill became an active member of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Little Compton, RI, serving as Senior Warden. In 1998, Bill was the Architect for the re-design and renovation of St. Andrews’s by-the-Sea, including the columbarium where his ashes will be interred. Bill’s love of music was apparent to those around him –as his beautiful voice would echo throughout the church when singing hymns.

In 2013, they retired to their Summer Home “Top of the Rock”, which he designed, in Westport Harbor, MA.

He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty years, Katharine Miller Barnum, and their son, Caleb and his Stepdaughter, Elizabeth, and his children from his first marriage to Anne Savage Barnum, Anne, Catharine (Holly), William Jr. and Nathaniel. Bill also leaves behind 6 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please check back. For online tribute: www.waring-sullivan.com.