William "Chad" McArver's Obituary
William Chadwick McArver, ‘Chad’, 63, passed away Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 after a fearless 3-year battle with cancer. Chad confronted his illness with the same strength, resilience, and determination that had driven him to succeed in high-pressure situations throughout his career in theatrical productions.
Chad was born September 3, 1961 in Charlotte, N.C., to William Edward McArver and Emily Jane (Hawkins) McArver. He went to West Mecklenburg High School, class of 1979, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1985 with a BA in Communication and TV Production. While attending UNC, Chad worked summers in Cherokee, NC at the outdoor drama Unto These Hills. He worked tirelessly for more than a decade to modernize the theatre’s lighting design while working alongside a cast of loving, free spirited friends that would remain close to him through-out his life. After graduating from UNC, he stayed in Chapel Hill and worked for the university supporting several venues including the Memorial Hall performing arts center. Working in Memorial Hall propelled Chad’s love of theatrical lighting where he provided lighting expertise and venue support for artists such as Lyle Lovett, Indigo Girls, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1990 he left UNC to pursue his theatrical dreams in New York City after he was awarded a full scholarship to New York University’s highly acclaimed Tisch School of the Arts, and he graduated with a MFA Degree in 1993. Chad’s years at NYU proved beneficial beyond his imagination, allowing him to build connections that led him to realize his dream of a full-time career in theatrical productions.
Chad would go on to work alongside many talented designers including Tony award winning lighting designer Howell Binkley on shows that included The Best Man, Minnelli on Minnelli, Parade, and High Society. He also worked with Pulitzer Prize-winning director George C. Wolfe and scenic designer Riccardo Hernández.
Chad designed lighting and scenery for Off-Broadway theatre in New York City and regional theatres on the East Coast. His credits also include lighting for theatre and dance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the LG Arts Center in Seoul, South Korea and the opening show for the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, NV with Hugh Jackman.
As his design career progressed, Chad decided to also pursue his passion for teaching. In 1998 he began teaching at Fordham University where he found his ‘home’ in the center of Manhattan at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. Chad cultivated a classroom culture that nurtured creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Chad built a lasting legacy at Fordham, including rising to the position of Chair of the Department of Theatre and Visual Arts during his 27 years with the university. During Chad’s illness, the kind words and outpouring of support from his students, alumni, and other Fordham faculty was truly amazing. Chad was more than a professor, he was a passionate mentor, a guide, and a champion for both students and fellow faculty members. He was an educator whose creativity helped his students find their voice and ‘light’ their path.
While Chad pursued life and dreams in New York City, he always remained connected with his family, spending several weeks every year at home in Charlotte, NC. Chad loved our annual trip to Litchfield Beach in Pawley’s Island, SC. Being home for Christmas was also a priority for Chad and he always made it home just in time. The family is beyond grateful that Chad made it home to us one last time.
Chad felt the love and support of all the amazing people that have touched his life. We are all so grateful for the heartfelt prayers and love shared with Chad and our entire family. We especially wish to thank Fordham University, Mt Sinai Hospital, NY, Levine Cancer Institute, NC, Englewood Hospital NJ, Tidelands Hospital, SC, NYU Langone Cancer Center NY.
To cherish his memory, Chad leaves behind his mother; Jane and his father Eddie, of Cornelius, NC, brother Michael McArver and sister-in-law Cathy McArver of Fort Mill, SC, his niece Michaela McArver plus many more caring and supportive extended family members. Chad loved his family and was a tremendously dedicated son, brother, and uncle.
A service to celebrate Chad’s life will be held at Paw Creek Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials may be made to Fordham University Theatre Department. Fordham Theatre Program Support: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/28757/donations/new
Memorials can also be sent to:
Fordham University Theatre Program
Chad McArver Memorial
Lincoln Center
113 W 60th Street
New York, NY 10023
Arrangements are in the care of James Funeral Home; please share condolences online at James Funeral Home.
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