Dr. William L. Maxwell, formerly of Ithaca NY, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Saint Andrew’s Village in Indiana, PA. Max was 91 years old.
He graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia, Class of 1952, where he was recently inducted into its Hall of Fame. Max earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate at Cornell University, then stayed for his entire career, retiring in 1998 as Professor Emeritus at Cornell’s School of Operations Research and Information Engineering. Later that year, Max was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering.
In retirement, Max and his wife Judith traveled the world, both for pleasure and to build Alcoholics Anonymous in several foreign countries, including Russia. He also spent a great deal of time and energy on philanthropic endeavors in the college town he loved. He was active with the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), spending time swimming and lifeguarding at the Alex Haley Pool, then helping design and finance Max’s Wading Pool of which he was very proud. Throughout his career and his retirement, Max was the recipient of many awards, achievements, and accolades. But it is his volunteerism and service that his family and the communities he impacted will remember as his signature style.
In his final years at Saint Andrews Village, he made many friends. As news of his death spread through the community, stories were told of Max and the joy and laughter he brought both employees and residents alike.
He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Gertrude Maxwell.
Max is survived by his beloved wife, Judith, who is also a resident at Saint Andrew’s Village; his children, Debbie Dixon (David), David Maxwell (Mary), Judy Maxwell (Jodi Holtman), and Keely Maxwell (Michael Rahnis); seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
At Max’s request, there will be no service, but all who knew him are welcome to eat some pretzels, sip a coffee, read a good murder mystery, tell a joke, work on a puzzle, or simply do a kind deed.
Memorial contributions can be sent to Greater Ithaca Activities Center, 301 W Court St, Ithaca NY 14850.
Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc. at 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA 15717 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
To view the online obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences, visit www.shoemakerfamilyservices.com.
