William C. Vergara, a retired electrical engineer and author of a series of books on science for the layman, died Sept. 13 of cancer at the Stella Maris Hospice. The Towson resident was 71.
He retired in 1982 as head of the micro electronics department at the Bendix Corp.'s Communications Division on Joppa Road in Towson, where he had worked since 1948. He was an early expert on micro electronics and was a former director of advanced research at the plant.
In 1958, Harper and Row published the first of his books, "Science in Everyday Things." It was followed by "Mathematics in Everyday Things," "Electronics in Everyday Things," "Science, a Never Ending Quest," "Science in the World Around Us" and, in 1980, "Science in Everyday Life."
He also had served as a science consultant to Grolier Inc., an encyclopedia publisher, and the American Heritage Dictionary.
After he retired, he was a volunteer computer consultant to nonprofit organizations through SERV, the Society of Executive Retired Volunteers, which named him volunteer of the year in 1992.
He was also a member of the Maryland Academy of Science and its Science Council, and the governor's Scientific Advisory Council.
Born in Far Rockaway, N.Y., Mr. Vergara attended City College of New York before earning an engineering degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., in a naval officer training program.
During World War II, he was a communications officer aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.
A memorial service was set for 11 a.m. today at Maryland Presbyterian Church, 1105 Providence Road, Towson.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, the former Patricia White; a brother, Joseph Vergara of Phoenix, Ariz.; two nephews and a niece.