WILMINGTON, MA — Robert E. Williams, a life-long Wilmington resident, passed away on Monday, May 11th at 84 years old.
Bob grew up in Wilmington and was in the first class to graduate from the original Wilmington High School in 1954, where he played football. Bob also served in The National Guard.
Bob was active in the “Skirts and Flirts” square dancing club as well as the Wilmington Youth Hockey Association in the 1970s. He was very proud of the parade float he helped create during the 1976 Bicentennial parades, where the hockey players skated on the back of it. He was also a major contributor to the haunted house fund raiser at the outdoor skating rink at the old schoolhouse on Chestnut Street.
Bob started Williams Sign Erection with this father in the 1950s and would later be joined by his brother Charles, and son Robert. Bob was very proud of his company and the cranes he built himself. Bob was also an inventor, creative thinker and was ahead of his time regarding health and nutrition. His strong will and healthy lifestyle contributed to his success with battling Multiple Sclerosis.
Bob was the beloved husband of Janet (Kennedy) Williams of 57 years, devoted father of Robert C. Williams and wife Gail (Link) Williams of Raynham, MA, Tammy (Williams) Musto and husband Nicholas Musto of Wilmington, Terry (Williams) Steen and husband Robert Steen of Wilmington, Suzanne (Williams) Krull and husband Robert Krull of Wilmington, David Williams and wife Terry (Miller) Williams of Methuen, MA. He was a loving grandfather of 12 grandchildren, Sarah & Robert Williams, Robert, Connor, Katelyn & Madison Musto, Elizabeth, Joseph, Michael & Owen Steen and Chloe & Evan Krull. He was the cherished son of the late Charles F. Williams & Gertrude (Farrell) Williams of Wilmington, MA. Bob was the brother of the late Charles F. Williams, Jr. and his late wife Ruth of Maynard, and is survived by his brother William Williams “Dutchie” and his wife Joan of Arlington, VA. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Parish of Transfiguration (St. Thomas Church), 126 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, MA 01887 or Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, c/o Philanthropy, 41 Mall Rd, Burlington, MA 01805.
Bob will always be remembered by his “never give up” and “never say can’t” spirit.
Due to the current situation of the Coronavirus and for everyone’s safety, the Williams family has decided to do a private service at this time. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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