Donald Williams

Donald Williams (88), passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 20, 2024.

Born to the late Philip and Helen (Sakal) Williams, he was a proud resident of Vestal, New York and a 1953 graduate of Johnson City High School where he was an outstanding athlete excelling in football, basketball, and track. He joined the Army after graduation and was stationed in Washington DC, serving in the Honor Guard during the Korean War.  Here he was recognized for his marksmanship and enjoyed representing his unit in national competitive shooting matches. 

Upon returning to upstate New York, he began work with IBM embarking on an engineering career that would take him to retirement with over a quarter century of dedication.  His analytical mind and ability to bring people together earned him a managerial position overseeing programs working on the computer systems of US military aircraft and submarines.  

Many of his fellow IBM colleagues became lifelong friends experiencing iconic adventures in their pursuit of big game and big fish. He shared this love of the great outdoors with his son Scott, from his first marriage, leading them to mountains, lakes, rivers and streams in New York, Michigan, and Canada.  

In 1964, Don married his soulmate, Nancy, and together they enjoyed the love of family, raising three girls and hosting many holiday gatherings. Fun times included neighborhood socials, Sunday bowling leagues, card nights, cookouts and many family travels towing a boat or camper for outdoor escapades.  Upon retirement, Don and Nancy spent summer weekends at their place on Cayuga Lake and winters in Florida, South Carolina, or Arizona reconnecting with relatives and beholding beautiful sunsets together.  Their devotion to family led them to pull up their Broome County roots and relocate to Delaware, Ohio to spend their later years closer to their daughters and grandchildren sharing regular Sunday dinners, holidays, laughter, and Buckeye football.

Don was a committed member of “The Old Timers” trap team at Black Wing Shooting Center where he and his teammates ‘bested’ the young boys for several years in a row.  A regular at the YMCA gym, he was proud of his "back row" status, being one of the few men working out with the ladies.  He had a lifelong passion of the great outdoors and buying cars. He loved people, making them laugh as well as engaging them in thought-provoking conversations.

Don is survived by his children: Scott Williams, Vestal, NY, Donna Hozdic (Michael), Pittsburgh, PA; Diana Baiocchi (Robert), Dublin, OH; Danielle Norman (Brian), Columbus, OH; seven grandchildren: Danielle, Matthew, Katelynn, Ethan, Nick, Jacob, and Henry; and two sisters: Lois Silvey and Mavis Bassett.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy, brothers Mark and Brian Williams, sisters Avis Wells and Iris Smith, and many dear friends.

As we join to celebrate Donald’s life may we remain inspired by his honesty, hard work, courage, tender heart, love of nature, storytelling, and dedication to family and close friends.  In lieu of flowers, enjoy a walk in the woods.  Dad, you will be forever missed.  We love you.