William M. Edmonstone ’39

Bill, our dear and beloved physician, died Nov. 1, 2012, at the StoneRidge retirement community in Mystic, Conn., where he had his home and practice since 1949.

Bill prepared for Princeton at Phillips Exeter Academy. He received his medical degree from the University of Rochester in 1943 and then entered the Army. He served as a battalion surgeon with the Second Armored Division in Europe, attaining the rank of captain. He did his residency at Hartford Hospital from 1947 to 1949.

His fondest memories of his early years of practice were of making house calls with only his black bag and stethoscope, hearing his patients’ stories, and often receiving as payment such bartered goods as eggs, lobsters, oil paintings, and firewood. He retired after 35 years in internal medicine and enjoyed family camping, hiking, skiing, and playing in a banjo band. He continued to serve his community as the medical director of the Stonington Institute for drug and alcohol addiction.

Bill is survived by Sally, his wife of 70 years; three children, including James ’69; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a recently arrived great-great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by his son Peter.