William G. (Jr.) Fullard

William “Bill” Fullard, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2025. Born in 1938 in Westfield, New Jersey, Bill discovered early in life his lifelong passions for music,  travel, and tennis.

After graduating from Haverford College, he earned his PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Psychology at Yale University. In 1969, he joined Temple University as an Assistant Professor, eventually becoming a Full Professor and Chairperson of the Graduate Admissions Committee in Educational Psychology.

Bill’s research focused on early childhood education, particularly the development of musical abilities in children from infancy to three years. Temple University provided him with cherished sabbatical opportunities to study child development worldwide, including France, Denmark, Hungary, Greece, and Nigeria, where he taught for two full semesters at what was formerly Temple’s Lagos campus.

His passion for history, philosophy, and literature led to his appointment as professor of Intellectual Heritage courses for Temple undergraduates. Bill retired from Temple in 2012 after a distinguished academic career.

Music remained central to Bill’s life. He participated in weekly chamber music sessions and enjoyed summer music-making at Bennington College’s Chamber Music Conference. As founder and longtime first clarinetist of Independence Sinfonia, Bill left an enduring legacy. The orchestra remembered him with these words: “Bill dedicated endless hours to the orchestra and to the enrichment of our community through music. With his sharp wit and warm heart, Bill was not just the creator of this orchestra, but also a passionate leader, mentor, and friend to many. His vision will live on in every performance we play.”

Bill is survived by his daughter Annie Fullard, violinist and professor at Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, son-in-law Jim Rosenthal, and grandson Samuel Rosenthal, a violist who is grateful to have performed many times for his enthusiastic and supportive grandfather. In his personal life, Bill celebrated his loving partnership with Margot Cohn and her family.​​

Details to be announced for Celebration of Life Concert.

Donations may be made in Bill's memory to Independence Sinfonia  https://independence-sinfonia.org