Published February 14, 2020
MELROSE — John M. Williams Sr., 92, of Melrose passed away on Monday February 10, 2020 at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House following a brief illness. He is the loving husband of the late M. Bernadette “Bernie” (Lucey) Williams with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.
John was born March 14, 1927 in Everett, son of the late Michael J. and Elizabeth (Costigan) Williams. He was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School Class of 1945. He immediately enlisted in the United States Navy and held the rank of Seaman First Class. After returning home after WW II, John attended Bentley College.
John worked for Thomas Strahan Company as a Regional Sales Manager for 37 years until his retirement.
He was very involved at Most Blessed Sacrament Church. His whole life revolved around his family.
Loving father of Grace M. Williams and Patricia Tarbox of Belmont, John M. Williams Jr. and Karen of Lynnfield, Maureen E. Pyatt and Larry of Melrose, Michael J. Williams and Valerie Vining of Medford, Mary Ann Williams and Marcia Orlowski of Melrose, Joseph P. Williams and Rose of Saugus, Thomas P. Williams and Denise of Wakefield and James F. Williams and Nancy of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Michael, Nicole, Brian, Ashley, Jacqueline, James, Alex, Matthew, Ashton, Christopher, Ryan, Sean and Brady as well as eight great-grandchildren. Loving brother of the late Charles and Catherine Williams, Henry and Anne Williams, Albert and Helen Williams, Thomas and Margaret Flanagan, Andrew and Mary Williams, Agnes Williams, Anna Lucey, Margaret Lucey, Edward Jones, Herbert Dillon and Al Foley. Caring brother-in-law of Patricia Foley, Sister Marie Dennis S.P., Margaret Lucey and the late Jack Lucey, Francis Lucey, Grace Jones and Dorothy Dillon. Also survived by numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thursday, February 13. Funeral procession from the Gately Funeral Home, was on Friday morning, February 14, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield. Burial with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 11 Grove St. Wakefield, MA 01880. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
