Center Salutes passing of J. William Middendorf: RI’s Greatest Pillar of Freedom?
Center Salutes passing of J. William Middendorf: Former Navy Secretary, Esteemed Diplomat, And Rhode Island’s Pillar of Freedom
Providence, RI – J. William Middendorf II, a former U.S. Secretary of the Navy, ambassador, composer, and one of Rhode Island’s most distinguished public figures, died Oct. 24, 2025. He was 101.
“In my opinion, Bill Middendorf was our state’s most accomplished and ardent defenders of freedom … ever. A true pillar of freedom,” commented Mike Stenhouse, CEO for the RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity. “As a long-time board member for the prestigious Heritage Foundation, Bill was a model that our organization sought to emulate. In 2017, we were proud to name our ‘Pillar of Freedom’ award in his name.”
Born Sept. 22, 1924, in Baltimore, Md., Middendorf’s life spanned more than a century of public service and cultural contribution. A decorated World War II Navy veteran, he went on to serve under Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan in multiple diplomatic and defense roles, including Secretary of the Navy and U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, the Organization of American States, and the European Union.
In Rhode Island, Middendorf’s legacy of civic engagement and philanthropy was honored through the J. William Middendorf Pillar of Freedom Award, established by the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity. The award recognizes individuals who embody the principles he championed—personal philanthropy, civic engagement, and free-market achievement. Recipients include Frank & Liz Mauran (2023), Senator Elaine Morgan and Representative Sherry Roberts (2019), Dr. Daniel Harrop (2018), and Warren Galkin and Robert Galkin (2017).
During his tenure as Navy Secretary from 1974 to 1977, Middendorf oversaw a 60% increase in the Navy’s budget and was instrumental in the development of the Ohio-class submarine, the Trident missile system, and the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. His advocacy for naval modernization left an enduring mark on U.S. maritime defense.
“His impact reached far beyond the positions he held. He represented a generation of Republicans who believed that service was not about titles or applause, but about stewardship, sacrifice, and duty, doing what is right for the nation and for future generations,” said Chairman Joe Powers, Republican Party of Rhode Island. “His intellect, humility, and patriotism set a standard that remains as relevant today as ever.”
A Harvard and New York University graduate, Middendorf was also an accomplished composer of eight symphonies and numerous marches for Navy and Marine Corps bands. His works reflected a deep reverence for history and service, themes that ran throughout his life. One of his musical composition was even used by the Queen of Denmark during her royal inauguration.
In later years, Middendorf continued to write and speak on politics and global affairs. His books included A Glorious Disaster, a chronicle of Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign, and Potomac Fever, a memoir of his decades in Washington.
