Ellsworth Edward Williams, Jr. passed away on Friday, November 2, 2012. He was born on December 28, 1918 in New London, Ct., the son of Ellsworth E. Williams, Sr. and Nellie Nichols Williams. As a member of the Episcopal Church, he sang in the choir and was alter boy for the church. He spent long hours hunting and fishing with his father in the area. He graduated in 1938 from NFA, Norwich, Ct., where he sang in the double quartet and was captain of the rifle team. He was a former member of the Order of DeMolay and a 50 year member of the Masonic Order. He was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Danielson, CT and, recently, a former member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Mystic, CT. He married Jane Duke Wirth Grove on July 28, 1946 in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Montclair, NJ. His wife passed away in January, 2006.
In Oct., 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged in September, 1945. While in the Air Corps he served as a ground crewman for the P-40 Fgtr. Squadron, serving in North Africa and Sicily. He was awarded several service medals, including five major battle stars and three Presidential unit citations. He was Past Commander of the VFW, Brooklyn, CT, and was a Life Member of the Jewett City VFW Post, the Norwich Chapter of the D.A. V., the Noank CT American Legion, and the NRA. He was a lifelong benefactor to the Killingly Rifle Club in Brooklyn, CT.
A lifelong boat enthusiast and avid sailor, Ells sailed and raced on Lake Alexander in Dayville, CT. He was actively involved in the yacht club there, teaching boating to the youths and serving in various positions throughout the years. He was Past Commodore of the former Noank Boat Club, and a member of the West Cove Yacht Club. His custom made Tugboat “Frolic” was his pride and joy in his later years. The Frolic led the annual Fourth of July Boat Parade at Alexander’s Lake for many years. His daughter, grandsons and great-granddaughter all enjoy riding in the Frolic around the lake.
He is survived by his daughter, Janice Williams Martin and her husband, Dr. Albert H. Martin, of Danielsville, PA; his grandson Nathaniel D. Martin, his wife Diana MacLeod, and his great-granddaughter, Ella Rose Martin, all of Denver, CO; and his grandson Kevin M. Martin, of Diamondhead, MS.
A small family service will be held. A spring Celebration of Life is being planned. Donations in his memory may be made to The Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, attn: donations.
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