William E Stirling

William E. Stirling, 80, lifelong resident of Saugus, passed on to eternity on October 21, 2015, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for 5 years. Son of the late Robert and Margaret (Hamilton) Stirling, Bill leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth (Belknap) Stirling, and daughter, Heather E. Albano of Rhode Island; daughter Holly Messina and husband Vincent of Westford; and daughter Heidi Demers of Groveland. He is also survived by his brother Robert Stirling of Minnesota and seven grandchildren: Thomas D’Alessandro of Woburn and James Albano of Medford; Stephen Messina of Westford, Michael Messina of Texas; Amber and Jennelle Demers of Groveland; and Brielle Beasley of Saugus. He leaves many cousins, nephews, and nieces. He was predeceased by his sister, Sandra J. Stirling of Colombia, South America, and grandson Joseph Messina. Bill graduated from Saugus High School class of 1953. In addition, he took courses at Franklin Technical Institute and Boston University. He was employed at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, MA, for 35 years, where his final position was Head of the Photography/Audio-Visual Dept. Bill spent two years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a proud member of the Corps. He took flying lessons at Beverly Airport when he was 16, but expense prevented him from getting his pilot’s license.

Bill was a member of East Baptist Church in Lynn, MA, where he served on the A/V committee and was instrumental in setting up the new audio-visual system in the church. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol as Public Affairs Officer for many years. He was also a member of various photographic organizations, including SMPTE and PANE.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2015, at 2 PM in the East Baptist Church, 300 Western Avenue, Lynn, MA. Arrangements are by the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, Lynn.