William J. Baumgarten, 93, of Pittsburgh, died Saturday in UPMC-Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.

He was born June 30, 1915, the son of the late Fred and Emma (Helfrick) Baumgarten.

Bill was a graduate of Grove City College and attended University of Pittsburgh classes at U.S. Steel.

He worked as a metallurgical engineer for more than 25 years with the U.S. Steel Corp. During his years there, he was constantly called upon by the U.S. Army and Navy committees involved with the development, manufacturing and application of armor, as well as the writing of specifications. Under his supervision, USX was the leading developer and producer of high-quality armor for ships, submarines, tanks and metal civilian installations.

Bill served in World War II from 1941 to 1946 as a commissioned officer and helped establish an OCS School in Australia to train combat officers for the Pacific Theatre. For this, he was cited and finished his war years as a major on General MacArthur's staff in plans and operation (G-3) in Manila, Philippines.

After retiring, Bill became a consultant and traveled widely. He was president of the U.S. Steel Metallurgical & Research Alumni Group. He was an active member of Chatham Towers, Pittsburgh Chapter of Defense Preparedness Association, World Affairs Council, American Society of Naval Engineers, Downtown Neighborhood Association, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Association, American Society for Megals and an active and longtime member of Epiphany Catholic Church.

Surviving are one brother, Richard F. Baumgarten of Gibsonia; two sisters, Eunice B. Nevins and Eva B. Moreland; 10 nieces and nephews, 21 great-nieces and two great-great-nieces.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Bailey.

<B>BAUMGARTEN</B> — Friends of William J. Baumgarten, who died Saturday, June 27, 2009, will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the <B>HERBERT R. KING JR. FUNERAL HOME INC.</B>, 2841 Woodland Circle, Allison Park, 15101. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Epiphany Roman Catholic Church, Pittsburgh. Internment will be at St. Peter Roman Catholic Cemetery, Butler.Memorial donations can be sent to Epiphany Catholic Church, 1018 Center Ave., Pittsburgh, 15219.To offer online condolences or get directions, visit www.kingfuneralhome.com.