Peter S. Willmott
Peter S. Willmott, 86, died November 11, 2023 at home in Williamstown, Massachusetts surrounded by family. He was born June 1, 1937, in Glens Falls, NY to the late Charles Sherman and Ellen Clark Willmott. He graduated from Glens Falls High School (1955), Williams College (1959), and Harvard Business School (1961).
Peter had an unrivaled passion for Williams College and dedicated more than sixty years of service to the college. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1983 to 1998, with ten years as Chair of the Executive Committee. He was also an ardent supporter of the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, joining the Board in 1999 and serving as President of the Board from 2005 to 2015.
Peter began his career in New York City at American Airlines and Booz, Allen & Hamilton. In 1966 he became Vice President and Treasurer of I.T.T. Continental Baking Company. Peter joined Federal Express in Memphis, Tennessee as Chief Financial Officer in 1974. He later served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Fedex from 1980 to 1983 and continued on as a member of the Board of Directors until 2009. While in Memphis, he served on the boards of First Horizon Bank and Morgan Keegan, Inc. Peter was a Trustee and Board Chair at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, a Senior Warden at Church of the Holy Communion, and a Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis. He was inducted into the Society of Entrepreneurs in 1992.
In 1983, Peter joined Carson Pirie Scott & Co. in Chicago, Illinois as Chairman, President, and CEO. He subsequently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Fleming Companies and Zenith Electronics. He also served on the boards of Browning Ferris Industries, International Multifoods, Maytag Corporation, Nicolet Instrument, Mac Frugal’s Bargains Close-outs, Inc., Interstate Hotels, and Lebhar-friedman. Peter was deeply engaged in civic service in Chicago, serving as Chair of the Board at Children’s Memorial Hospital, and as a member of the boards of the Associated Colleges of Illinois, Chicago United, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Newberry Library, and Francis W. Parker School.
He had a life-long association with Camp Dudley in Westport, New York and was a member of the Board of Managers. Many enduring friendships began at the camp.
Peter had a passion for thoroughbred horse racing and established Willmott Stables in 1990. He owned and bred numerous accomplished horses. He served as the Chair of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and as a Steward of the Jockey Club.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Michele, and their children Audrey Prieboy, Matthew Willmott, and Christopher Willmott (Rachel). Peter is also survived by his children from his first marriage: Cindy Belisle (Craig), Sarah Cowens (Tom), John Sherman Willmott, David Willmott (Catherine), and eight grandchildren: Sarah, Mollie and Caroline Belisle; Ellen Harrison (Blaine) and Margaret Cowens; and Charles, Wylly and George Willmott.
Peter is also survived by his siblings, brother Clark Willmott (Sheila) and sister Lesley Charlebois (Claude), along with cousins, nieces, and nephews.
There will be a celebration of Peter’s life in Memphis, TN on November 24th from 4-6 at the Memphis Hunt and Polo Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sanjiv Shah Laboratory by way of the Northwestern Memorial Foundation at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com