William M. Willitts

Portsmouth, RI - William M. Willitts, 89, of 445 Windstone Drive, Portsmouth, RI, died Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI. He was the husband of Anna L. Ericson Willitts, his high school sweetheart who he met again at their 50th high school reunion and married the following year. Together they enjoyed their winter home in West Palm Beach, Florida.Born in Newport, RI on October 27, 1919, he was the son of the late Myrl and Marian Maher Willitts.Mr. Willitts graduated from Rogers High School, where he was on the football team. He entered the Army after high school and served during World War II becoming First Lieutenant. Mr. Willitts attended U.R.I. and also Northeastern where he received his engineering degree, and then taught engineering. He worked for Lucent Technologies for over thirty-five years. Mr. Willitts was a Boy Scout Eagle Scout and a lifelong Boy Scout Leader and Supporter. Mr. Willitts also led a construction project for a new addition at St. Theresas Church in Rye Beach, NH.Besides his wife, he is survived by his son William Willitts of Boyton Beach, FL, his daughters Judith Weston of Boyton Beach, FL, Helen Stulgis of Hampton, NH and Elizabeth Tyrrell of Westford, MA, his grandchildren, Amy Vickstrom, Mark Hewitt, Bill Willitts, Andrew Tyrell, Michael Willitts, Mary Willitts, Laura Spurchise and Abbie delaCampa, five great grandchildren and his former wife Rita Willitts of Rye Beach, NH. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. His funeral will be held on Monday, March 2, 2009, at 10:00 am in St. Peters Lutheran Church, 525 Broadway, Newport. Burial will be in Middletown Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours are omitted.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimers Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906