William E. Stilwell, friend to presidents

William E. Stilwell, 68, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford after a long battle with dementia. Will was born in Williamsport, Pa., Oct. 5, 1948.

After graduating from high school, he entered the U.S. Navy and spent four years serving at the Pentagon. Upon his honorable discharge, he began his 34-year career at the U.S. Senate, initially serving on the staff of Hubert Humphrey (D-Minnesota) who had returned to the Senate after serving as vice president. Will also served on the staff of Muriel Humphrey (D-MN), who was named to the vacant seat upon her husband's death.

Will next worked on the staff of David Durenberger (R-MN). He spent his final 14 years working for Sen. Edward Kennedy. At Will's retirement party in 2006, Sen. Kennedy spoke warmly of Will's service and presented him with a signed print of the senator's original artwork.

Will's big photo event came the second weekend in December. It was the Kennedy Center Honors Gala. He was able to attend 30 out of the first 32 events. Here they honor five celebrities of the arts each year. This provided him the opportunity of many photos with the stars. He met 121 Academy Award winners, including Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Taylor, and many others.

In addition to meeting presidents and first ladies, he had numerous opportunities to meet with political and popular celebrities while working at the Senate. While in his 30s, he ran five Marine Corps Marathons, which are annual events in Washington, D.C.

Will met Forrest in Washington, D.C. in 1968, and they were together for over 48 years. They went on many vacations together and visited over 60 countries. They met many other world travelers and remained in touch with many of them.

Will was diagnosed with early stage dementia in the summer of 2012. It advanced extremely quickly, and on July 30, 2014, he entered the Veterans Home in Milford.

Will is survived by his partner, Forrest Park; two sisters, one brother, eight nephews and nieces, and nine grand-nephews and -nieces.

Will is to be cremated and buried with his twin sister who preceded him in death in December 2014. They will be interred together in the family plot in Williamsport.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Please visit Will's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.