FT. PIERCE, FLORIDA: Gerald Ward Williams, Sr. of Ft. Pierce, FL and Silver Creek, died Thursday, February 14, 2019 in Florida. He was born in Lackawanna on February 23, 1937, the son of the late Guilford and Margaret (O’Brien) Williams.
Mr. Williams served in the US Marine Corps from January 1955 to January 1958 and always had a “Semper Fi” for every Marine he saw. He worked for the Ford Stamping Plant for 36 years, retiring in June 1995. Being a man that couldn’t sit still, he drove truck for Walker’s Press House, delivering juice to wineries all over the East Coast. Mr. Williams had many stories to tell about his experiences. He was an accomplished winemaker, winning many medals for his wine. He was South Buffalo Irish to the core, enjoying St. Patrick’s Day at McCarthy’s, then, later hosting large St. Patrick’s Day parties at his home in Silver Creek. Mr. Williams loved people, loved telling stories and enjoyed friends wherever he went. He knew no strangers.
Survivors include his loving wife, Linda (Pagano) Williams, a daughter Susan Williams, a son Gerald W. Williams, Jr., two stepdaughters Theresa Nickerson and Suzanne Talley, and a sister Marylou Woelfel. Also surviving are two grandchildren Johann Bartges and Meghan Williams, two step-grandchildren DJ McDermott, III and Joneece Talley, three step-great grandchildren Kendra McDermott, Faryn and Bryce Talley and many cousins. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a sister Marge Whalen and a brother James Williams.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 10:30 to 11 o’clock at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, 165 Central Avenue, Silver Creek, from where A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will follow at 11 o’clock. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Silver Creek, where Graveside Military Services will be conducted. The family suggests memorial donations may be made to either Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity, 780 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218 or to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, 165 Central Avenue, Silver Creek, NY 14136. Local arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolence go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
