Steve Hamilton Obit

Edgar Stevens Hamilton Jr.,

January 4, 1934- May 26, 2026

Edgar Stevens Hamilton Jr., “Steve” to all who knew him, died on May 26, 2026, in Bellevue, Washington, after a bicycle ride, a cheeseburger, and what can only be described as a full and happy life. He was 92.

Born on January 4, 1934, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Edgar Stevens Hamilton Sr. and Edwina Doolittle Stickney, Steve lived a life full of optimism, humor, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

An exceptional student, he attended Yale University on a full scholarship, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Civil Engineering. That same year he was commissioned as a Naval officer and married Willa Perkins, beginning a partnership that would last 55 years. Willa was the love of his life.

Music was also one of Steve’s great passions. During his freshman year at Yale, he taught himself to play the banjo so he could join a Dixieland jazz quartet known as the DixEli’s. Over the years he added guitar, piano, and ukulele to his musical skills and spent a lifetime playing ragtime and traditional jazz with friends and local bands. He also volunteered with Veterans Administration music therapy programs.

After his military service, Steve built a distinguished career in corporate finance, serving as Chief Financial Officer for several aerospace and defense contractors.

A lifelong athlete, Steve enjoyed tennis, running, and cycling. He ran Bay to Breakers with his daughter Sally and later became a dedicated cyclist, often seen around Bellevue wearing his bright orange helmet.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Willa Perkins Hamilton.

Steve is survived by his daughters, Sally Hamilton of Davis, California, Susan Bischoff of Bellevue, Washington, and Betsy Hamilton Schwartz of New York City; his grandchildren, Steven and Helen Cecilia Johns and Caroline and Henry Schwartz; his brother, David Stickney of Red Bluff, California; and many dear friends and extended family members.