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SEBASTIAN, Fla. - William "Bill" Donald Gustafson Jr., beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born Aug. 15, 1950, in Youngstown, he was the son of the late William Donald "Don" Gustafson Sr. and K. Phyllis McBride Gustafson.
Bill graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School and attended Youngstown State University.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy before contributing to global peace efforts through work with the United Nations and Joint Forces.
His career brought his family to Hampton Roads.
In 2016, Bill and his beloved wife, Catherine DeRhodes Gustafson, retired to Sebastian, Florida, after 51 years of marriage.
He leaves daughters, Gretchen (Scott) Shea and Erika (Jeff) Heller; and grandchildren, Jocelyn and Mark Thomas, who brought him great joy.
Bill supported veterans through Honor Flight, especially Space Coast Honor Flight. To honor his dedication, the family requests memorial donations to Space Coast Honor Flight, Inc., Rockledge, Florida.
His loving spirit and service will be remembered.
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