William Sumner Stiles, 92, died peacefully at The Kaplan Family Hospice House, in Danvers, Massachusetts in the early morning hours of Sept.12.

Son of the late Russell and Viola (Sullivan) Stiles, William was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York, and then attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts before enrolling at Harvard where he played clarinet in the band, rowed varsity crew and was president of the Spee Club. He completed his time at Harvard in three years as part of the OTC program, immediately joined the Navy, and was then sent to the Pacific Theater. When the war ended his unit was reassigned to the Philippines to assist with reconstruction efforts. Once home from the service, he returned to Harvard and earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering.

While summering on Southport Island, near Boothbay Harbor, Maine, William met and fell in love with Nancy Atwood from Salem, Massachusetts. The two were married on Oct. 9 in 1948 and they spent the next 65 years lovingly devoted to each other. After being employed during their first year of marriage in Washington, D.C. where he worked as a civilian on Naval ship contracts, he and his wife Nancy then returned to Massachusetts.

William went to work for his father-in-law and brother-in-law at Atwood and Morrell in Salem. They settled in Marblehead and raised four daughters on Gingerbread Hill where William was still living until the time of his death. He was predeceased by Nancy, who died at home in 2013 looking out over the yard and garden they had tended with care for more than 60 years. He loved traveling, skiing with his family, sailing on his beloved Windswept, and singing in St. Andrew's church choir where he was a member for more than 30 years. He was also a member of the Eastern Yacht Club since 1955.

William is survived by his four daughters, Julie Stiles, M.D., and her husband Michael England, M.D.; the Reverend Katherine Stiles, Susan Stiles, and Sarah Stiles Bright. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Hannah and her husband, Noah; William and his wife, Kristin; Maya and her husband, Alan; Hayley and Sumner Bright; and his great-grandchildren Ella, Julian and William; as well as many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for William will be held on Sept. 17, 2016 at 1 p.m. at St. Andrews Church, 135 Lafayette Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Andrews Church in Marblehead or to Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street, Andover, MA 01810. For additional information, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.