Obituary of George F. Williams

George Francis Williams passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 9, 2014 at New York Presbyterian Hospital following complications of a rare liver disease. He was 61 years old. Born of humble beginnings on May 15, 1953 in Riverside, NJ, George spent most of his life in New Jersey where he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University (Madison, NJ) on scholarship where he earned his Bachelors degree in Physics. During his college years, he met many life-long friends including his loving wife, Katherine Williams, to whom he was married for 41 years and with whom he raised a family. He and his wife have been residents of Rockaway Township, NJ the past 24 years and of Denville, NJ for 15 years before that. George was an incredibly likable, gentle and generous man who had strong passions for photography, trains and locomotives, wildlife, charity and - above all - his friends and family. Well-known for his love of animals and his chatty, laid-back demeanor, he was perhaps best defined by his willingness to help others, by the Indiana Jones hat he had taken to wearing the past 10 years and by his unwavering requirement to laugh heartily at least once daily. He was fond of simple things, good food and was quick to reject an over-complicated lifestyle. He worked for 34 years at Pfizer in Parsippany, NJ. He retired along with many Pfizer friends as a Johnson & Johnson employee in 2008. He was fond of his tenure at “Charlie” and the many friends he made there over so many decades. During these years, he was also an active member of the March of Dimes charitable fund-raisers as a coordinator. During his retirement years, George spent most days pursuing photography of the outdoors and the many family pets for which the Williams Clan may be best known. He also spent time - as he had for years - helping others with odd jobs, fixing computers and generally exploring the area around his home county. Those who knew George best will remember his buoyant attitude and kind heart. He is survived and lovingly missed by Katherine Williams (wife), Edna Landis (sister), Merilee Davis, Shelley Reiner and Patricia Rose (sisters-in-law), Scott Williams (son), Monicka Koneski (daughter-in-law), Kavi Sundara Williams (grandson), Luke Williams (son), Anna Koren (daughter-in-law), as well as 5 nieces and nephews and dozens of warm friends. He is also survived by 4 labradors who are also considered close family. He is predeceased by Walter and Anita Johnson Williams (parents), Tina Fairbanks (sister), Gilbert and Jean B. Rose (parents-in-law), Peter Rose (brother-in-law) and 40 years of well-loved dogs and cats. Private services will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local animal shelter or to The March of Dimes. Alternatively, please consider actively donating your time to a charity of your choice in his honor. Arrangements by Tuttle Funeral Home, Randolph