WEBSTER – Richard J. Williams, Sr., 63, of Webster, passed away Tuesday, December 23, in UMass/Memorial Healthcare where he was surrounded by his family.
He leaves his devoted wife of 35 years, Beverly A. (Caskey) Williams; 4 children, Richard J. Williams, Jr. and his wife Tanya of Danielson, CT, Nicolle A. Williams of Putnam, CT, Robert L. Williams and his wife Monique of Putnam, and Leah M. Williams of Webster; 3 precious granddaughters, Jadyn Elizabeth, Beverly Madison and Ava Reese; 2 brothers, Jack Williams of Virginia, MN, and Butch Williams of Duluth, MN; 2 sisters, Emily Dumas of Port Ste. Lucie, FL and Marge Shoots of Duluth, MN; many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother Tommy Williams of Hudson and by his sister Frances Arverson of Omaha, NE.
He was born and raised in Duluth, MN a son of Warren “Rip” and Frances (Knaus) Williams. He moved to Webster in 1983. He graduated from East High School and attended the University of Minnesota, both in Duluth.
Mr. Williams was a resident engineer for the Mass. Bay Transit Authority for many years before retiring in 2005.
He was a man of deep and unwavering faith. He was a communicant of St. Joseph Basilica and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Auburn/Webster Elks. An avid hunter and fisherman, he belonged to the Singletary Rod and Gun Club in Sutton.
His brothers and he spent their youth learning the sport of ice hockey under their father’s guidance. He would later teach his own children to skate and coach his sons in the Crusader Hockey League for several years.
One of his many friends said, “He was a true inspiration and taught a lot of us how to live and die.” His strength, perseverance and undying love will be carried on in the hearts of his family.
A memorial Mass will be held Monday, December 29, at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be from 3:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday, December 28, in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Joseph Elementary School, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 01570.