William Harold Gustafson, veteran, IRSC member
William “Gus” Harold Gustafson, 83, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2024. He was born July 16, 1940, in Hibbing, Minn., son of the late Harold A. Gustafson and Aili (Lillquist) Gustafson.
As a young man, William moved to Maryland. In 1960, at 20, he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served until 1964. During his time in the Navy, William was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later in 2017, he was presented with medals by the U.S. Government for his service during this important event in our nation’s history. After the conclusion of his military service, William was employed by Becton Dickinson (formerly Johnson Laboratories) and was involved in management for their customer service and sales support operations. He retired in 1997 after 31 years of employment.
After retiring, William moved to Delaware. He later became involved with the Indian River Senior Center, where he participated in many activities and clubs, day-to-day operations of the center, and served on its board of directors. William was also involved in pool leagues and local clubs, and leaves behind many close friends and acquaintances. In addition to his involvement with the IRSC, William operated a small business providing transportation services for medical patients.
William raised three children with Mary (Bealmear) Gustafson, Darrin and his wife Denise (Uppercue) of Columbia, Md., Melinda Gustafson-Burton and her husband Jim of Perry Hall, Md., and Mark and his wife Kris (Bush) of Crystal Lake, Ill.; He is survived by his grandchildren, Matthew, Madison, Mia, Charlotte and Declan; his sisters, Edith “Eydie” Nordby, Margaret Barr, Elizabeth Scalise and her husband Pete, and Sally Benedict and her husband Lee; along with many nieces and nephews.
According to William’s wishes, a memorial service is not planned.
He did request that donations be made in his name to Indian River Senior Center, 214 Irons Ave., Millsboro, DE 19966. The Indian River Senior Center is a nonprofit organization that provides social, educational, recreational, physical and emotional support, and entertainment for seniors.
