Edward Stevenson Williams (1937 - 2023)
Edward Stevenson Williams, 85, of Mystic died on January 9, 2023 at home surrounded by family after a long illness. Born at a mid-wife’s house in Old Mystic in 1937, he was the son of Horace and Mildred Williams of Old Mystic. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth Godomsky Williams, sons Glenn Williams (Elizabeth), and Wesley Williams of Mystic; and daughter Donna Farr (Peter) of Palmer, MA. He was proud of his grandchildren Lindsey Farr, Grant Farr (Lauren), Madeleine Williams, and Elizabeth Williams. He is also survived by in-laws Ellen Williams, Stephen and Carole Godomsky, Carol Peterson, and Elizabeth and Joseph Faulise; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Eleanor Cooke (RC), Elizabeth Williams (Russel), brother Robert Williams and brother-in-law Carl Petersen. He leaves behind many friends from a lifetime of being active in various hobbies and work in the community.
Edward said that he was blessed to grow up at the perfect time and place - Old Mystic during the 40’s and 50’s. His family owned the H.O. Williams General Store in Old Mystic opened by his great-grandfather in Old Mystic, which was a hub of activity in his youth. He also cherished times spent at the Seven Keys family cottage on Long Pond in Ledyard named for the seven families of his parent’s generation who co-leased it. Every Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day involved a large family picnic there, as well as many summer nights of music, gatherings, and listening to whip-poor-wills while sleeping on the porch. He loved playing baseball for the local Reliance Club, long bike rides with friends, skating on Haley and Long Pond, not-so-legal car racing, and all of the dances and gatherings that happened in Old Mystic before television; when people made their own entertainment. Edward, a quiet daredevil, said that the craziest thing he ever did was sled down the very steep and long Quaquataug Hilll into Old Mystic, barely escaping with his life. Hanging out at his Uncle James Stanton’s cattle farm was a particular joy. He attended the one room schoolhouse in Old Mystic and was part of the first junior class in 1954 in the brand new Robert E Fitch High School on Fort Hill.
After serving in the US Army in Texas, he came home and worked at Narragansett Electric before spending 36 years with Connecticut Light and Power. He was active in the Old Mystic Fire Department, continuing a family tradition where his father was a founding member. He spent many years serving in the Old Mystic Fire Police. He loved the outdoors, particularly hunting. He was a member of the Mystic Rod & Gun Club; hunting, fishing, and competing on the pistol team. He loved farms and horses. Much time was spent visiting the farms of friends, of whom he knew many. A large amount of time involved owning horses at his suburban farm and attending horse shows with his children, particularly with his daughter Donna who shared his love of horses. He played “steady quarterback” and “steady pitcher” for neighborhood kid’s games and coached baseball for Glenn’s youth teams. Wesley is very involved in the Special Olympics and he enjoyed attending all of his events, serving as Wesley’s caddy in many golf tournaments. He never missed his children’s activities. He was a dedicated fan of Boston and UConn sports teams.
Edward enjoyed a charmed and well lived life. He was a very moral man who had little tolerance for intolerance. If one swore, bragged, showed poor-sportsmanship, or talked negatively behind someone’s back; one could expect a sharp reprimand. He was a dedicated family man and friend who it would be hard to find something bad to say about - a good man to the end.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic on Monday, January 16th from 4 to 6pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 17th at 11:00am at Union Baptist Church, 119 High Street, Mystic followed by burial at Elm Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Groton Special Olympics, 29 Spicer Ave, Noank, CT 06340.