William Vasu

July 19, 1941 - June 21, 2025

William "Bill" Vasu spent his childhood in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he attended Cranbrook School. He was an Army ROTC Cadet and Varsity swimmer at the University of Notre Dame. While there, Bill majored in philosophy and earned his BBA in business finance in 1963. Thereafter, Bill graduated from NYU Stern School of Business with a citation honoring his MBA thesis. A U.S. Army First Lieutenant on active duty during the Vietnam War, Bill managed a medical staff at Darnall Army Hospital, Fort Hood, TX. For his dedication, he received a National Defense Service Medal, and an enduring moniker from his friends: "Dr. Bill."

He met Linda Muller in New York City in 1973 when a colleague dropped a blue envelope on Bill's desk with her phone number. Their first date was Valentine's Day. Linda and Bill married in 1974 and moved to Pound Ridge briefly, before settling in Bedford, NY, where they welcomed their beloved daughters, Emilie and Susannah.

Bill's career as an investment banker reflected the changing dynamics of late 20th century Wall Street. Bill worked at Salomon Brothers in the newly launched mortgage-backed security department, and thereafter at Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. Following the deregulation of the London Stock Market, Morgan Stanley moved his family to London in 1987, during a pivotal time of global expansion that would forever shape their futures. They lived in Chelsea and spent weekends in Longparish, Hampshire. His daughters attended English day schools for girls. Friends introduced them to the pleasures of country life -- tennis on grass, horseback riding, horse racing, fly fishing, shooting and stalking, and the many adventures of nearby European travel.

Bill adored family time with Emilie and Susannah, and his pack of Jack Russell terriers, Labradors and Retrievers. On weekends, he prepared special breakfasts on the Aga, serving stacks of perfectly thin pancakes and bacon, and offered new friends his renowned eggplant dip from the recipe of his Romanian grandmother, served with a signature Southside cocktail.

In 1991, the family returned home to Bedford, NY and later, Greenwich, CT. Bill joined a new asset management team at BNP Paribas. The girls attended Greenwich Academy, and Linda resumed teaching literature.

Bill was an 80s "legend" to family and friends. Their words recall with fondness that he was "dashing, witty, vibrant, effortlessly cool." Known as a superb dancer, an enthusiast of opera, classical music, and oldies-but-goodies, he enjoyed hosting dance parties; there was always a jukebox with the classics of Rock & Roll and country, and the latest top ten. Those closest to him appreciated his gentle soul and generous heart. They not only relied on Dr. Bill to pick sing-along tunes; he bandaged knees, removed errant fish hooks, and coached them to improve their swimming strokes. And thus, Dr. Bill became "Doc" to his grandsons, Beau and Hayes.

In his later years, Bill traveled throughout the West with his lovable Labs, Welly and Earl, and settled in Sun Valley, Idaho, before returning to Litchfield, CT. He kept his eye on the horizon, always hoping for the best, and holding his fondest memories of friends and family in his heart.

Bill will be remembered for his stoic stance in the face of debilitating Parkinsonism, and his gratitude for the many gifts of his life. His grace shone steadfastly, through acuteness and solitude, in his smile and his strength.

He is survived by his devoted former wife Linda, their daughters and sons-in-law Emilie and Jonathan Henley, Susannah and Andrew Dacey, and two cherished grandsons, Beau and Hayes.

He is forever in our hearts. May he rest in eternal peace at last, his spirit carried gently in love and remembrance.

A private memorial will take place on August 20, 2025.

"You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace"

~Isaiah 55:12