William K. Gale, 87, passed away surrounded by his family on November 26, 2024, after a short illness. He was the husband of Peggy Gale. Born in New York City on November 9, 1937, he was predeceased by his parents, William K. and Ida (Gillis) Gale.

William worked for the Providence Journal for more than 35 years, most of the time as the Theater and Dance Critic. He was a studious critic, often reading plays before he saw them and studying playwrights and directors. He even bought his first pair of dance tights and took ballet lessons in his 40s to become a better dance critic. During his time at the Journal, he was instrumental in supporting and expanding the theater and dance scene in Rhode Island. An award-winning critic, William served as the President of the Board of the American Theater Critics Association and hosted their annual conference in Providence.

After retiring from the Journal, William worked with his son, Jeffrey, to operate a theater website and ended his career critiquing plays for The Public’s Radio. William served in the Air Force and was an Air Traffic Controller for a time before finishing his Bachelor’s Degree at The Ohio State University. William was a connoisseur of fine wine and always maintained a wine cellar. He and his wife, Peggy, traveled extensively, visiting many places around the world.

William leaves behind his loving family: his wife, Peggy Gale, his daughter, Susan Gale and her partner Lisa Koulibaly, and his son, Jeffrey Gale. He also leaves behind two step-grandchildren, Naffi Koulibaly and Rashed Koulibaly, and many cousins.

A Funeral Home Service will be held Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11am in the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown followed by a burial with full military honors in the RI Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery. Visiting Hours will be Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Public’s Radio by mailing a check to The Public’s Radio, 1 Union Station, Providence, RI 02903 or online at https://thepublicsradio.org/product/donate/