William McNamara

Dr. William Adams McNamara, "Will", passed away Wednesday, November 3 at the age of 81. He was born in Washington, DC on October 1, 1940 to Dr. Charles Edwin McNamara and Virginia Adams McNamara. Will is survived by his cherished wife of 28 years, Jane Herrold McNamara; his son William Adams McNamara Jr. (Elizabeth Cruz McNamara); his daughter Patricia Ann McNamara, brother John Adams McNamara (Joan McClure McNamara) and 6 grandchildren, Will, Hank, Nicole, Samantha, Parker and Whitley. Will was a beloved Brother in Law, Uncle and Pop Pop to the entire Herrold Family. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Margaret McNamara.

A graduate of Landon School in Bethesda, Will went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame and Georgetown University School of Medicine. Will completed his residencies in general surgery and orthopedic surgery at George Washington University Hospital-Washington Hospital Center. At the start of his career as an orthopedic surgeon, Will served as a Major in the United States Army stationed at Fort Carson Army Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Upon his return to Maryland, Will established his private medical practice in orthopedic surgery in Bethesda, Maryland. A devoted surgeon and doctor with a compassionate bedside manner, many of Will's patients and colleagues were among his closest friends. His medical career spanned his lifetime, with affiliations at Suburban Hospital, Holy Cross and Shady Grove. Will served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Suburban Hospital from 1984-1986. Will's professional affiliations included the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Maryland Medical Society, and the Montgomery County Medical Society. Will also served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Bethesda and was a member of Chevy Chase Country Club.

After a 6 month battle with pancreatic cancer, Will passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family and his beloved dog Gracie. Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, November 12 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5949 Western Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20015. A memorial mass will take place at 11 a.m., and interment will be private. Memorial donations can be made to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament or to the Suburban Hospital Foundation Dr. William McNamara Memorial Fund.