Obituary of Donald Wayne Eiss

EISS

Donald W. Eiss died on January 5, 2021 of COVID-19 at Reston Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Betsy Stillman, daughter Stephanie Eiss (Conrad Kluck) of Bridgeport, Connecticut, son Matthew Eiss of Arlington, Virginia and his sister Patricia Wagner (Richard) of Salisbury, North Carolina along with loving nieces, nephews and friends. His parents Evelyn and Charles Eiss and his brother Charles Junior “Skip” (Linda) predeceased him.

Don was born in Staten Island, New York on October 3, 1951, the youngest of Charles and Evelyn’s children. He attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City and graduated in 1973 from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. He received a Master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in 1975 where he met his future wife Betsy. They were married on October 28, 1978.

Don was a wonderful brother, husband, father, colleague and friend. He worked for 33 years at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Executive Office of the President, retiring from his job as a Senior Policy Advisor for Policy Coordination in 2018. During his work at USTR he was a sought-after mentor to many younger staff members and was always available to listen and advise them on the best career and educational paths.

Don’s family was the center of his life. He and Betsy were enthusiastic participants in all celebratory events. He surprised many children throughout the years as Santa Claus with visits on Christmas Day carrying gifts and good cheer. He loved baseball and was an avid Nationals fan and longtime season ticket holder. After his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, he became a strong supporter of the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (parkinsonfoundation.org) and participated in their annual fundraising event “Walk Off Parkinson’s” at Nationals Park. Don’s family asks that donations in his honor be sent to this wonderful organization.  

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.