William "Bill" Stewart

William “Bill” Stewart, age 73, passed away due to complications of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Bill was best known for his love of his family, his humanitarian work, and the kindness he showed to all. He had a passion for learning and was known as a source of knowledge of his many interests, community causes and hobbies. Although born in Palo Alto, CA, Bill called Maryland home.

He grew up in Salisbury, MD and raised his family in the great state he loved. Bill served in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant in Little Rock, AK, working in military intelligence. While he was there, he met and married Perlita Aragon. After an honorable discharge, he studied in the Philippines at the prestigious Ateneo de Manila University for a year experiencing the culture and family, one of his fondest experiences. They returned to Maryland to be closer to his ailing mother. Bill graduated from the University of Maryland and pursued graduate studies at Catholic University. Together, Bill and Perlita raised their only child, Edward, to whom Bill was a devoted, loving and nurturing father. Bill spent almost his entire career working for the Environmental Protection Agency as a Chief Budget Officer for the Office of General Counsel. After 28 years of service, he retired from the EPA in 2003 and began his second life! Volunteerism, Triumph sport cars, seafood, live music, videography, brewing beer, cooking, single-malt scotches, travel and a variety of artistic endeavors were some of his interests! He devoted his time and his personal expertise to many charitable and humanitarian causes. For 12 years Bill volunteered for Montgomery Community Media learning to operate a camera, edit, produce and other technical skills. He produced his own show for many years and served as President of the Volunteer Association for MCM. Here he met Juanita Bailey whose side he remained by until his final day. Together they dedicated much of their time serving the needs of the Veterans community with the Warfighter Advance, the MDS Foundation, traveling and visiting family.

One of Grandpa Bill’s greatest sources of pride and happiness was his grandchildren, Max, Micaela, Annie and Lila. Bill was a very devoted grandpa, devoted father to Ed and his wife Mary, devoted companion to Juanita, good friend to Perlita, devoted brother to Richard (Lois) and James (Helen), son to Richard and Louise Stewart, devoted nephew, uncle to several nephews and friend to endless others who survive him.