Former Sec. of Navy and Ambassador, Rhode Islander J. William Middendorf II Dies at 101

Former Sec. of Navy and Ambassador, Rhode Islander J. William Middendorf II Dies at 101

J. William Middendorf II, distinguished diplomat, investment banker, and former U.S. Secretary of the Navy, died on October 24, 2025, in Fall River, Massachusetts, at the age of 101. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Dr. Amy Givler. Middendorf was a longtime resident of Little Compton, Rhode Island, and his career spanned public service, business, and the arts.

 

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 22, 1924, Middendorf served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was educated at the College of the Holy Cross, Harvard University, and New York University. After the war, he embarked on a successful career in investment banking, co-founding the prominent firm Middendorf Colgate and Company. His leadership in finance led to a seat on the New York Stock Exchange by age 40.

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In July of 2024, GoLocal wrote a major feature on Middendorf turning 100 and a new book he was publishing.

“One of the Greatest Living Rhode Islanders Is Turning 100 and Has a Lot to Say in a New Book”

 

Middendorf’s public service began in earnest as treasurer of the Republican National Committee and fundraiser for Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign, which helped lay the groundwork for the modern conservative movement. He was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands from 1969 to 1973 and later served as Secretary of the Navy from 1974 to 1977 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. In that role, Middendorf championed landmark projects, including the Ohio-class submarine program, Trident ballistic missiles, the Aegis missile system, and the F/A-18 Hornet jet fighter. He also helped establish the Marine Corps Marathon, which would become a beloved American tradition.

 

After his service as Navy Secretary, Middendorf returned to the private sector but remained active in national politics and diplomacy. He headed the CIA transition team for President Ronald Reagan, then served as ambassador to the Organization of American States from 1981 to 1985 and as U.S. Representative to the European Community (now the European Union) until 1987. Throughout these roles, he was a staunch advocate for American national security, economic freedom, and opposition to Soviet aggression during the Cold War.

 

Beyond his governmental and business endeavors, Middendorf was a prolific composer of classical music, notably presenting his “Holland Symphony” to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, and wrote more than 100 marches for U.S. Navy ships. He authored several books, including an account of the Goldwater campaign and a personal memoir, “Potomac Fever.” Middendorf held positions on the boards of numerous institutions, including the Heritage Foundation and the International Republican Institute, and was an active member of the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the Revolution.