Honeoye Falls, NY:  At age 98, John passed peacefully at home on November 20, 2023.  He was born on June 16, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest of the five children of the late John and Ethel (Thoman) Williams. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings; LaVerne Williams Cerr, Marjorie Williams Andrews, Don Williams, and Vernon Williams; and his loving companion, of almost 40 years, Nancy Harrington.

Survived by his loving and faithful Border Collie Meeko, step-daughter Dawn M. Jones and her children; William E. (Marji) Jones and Linda (Bryan) Strollo, 4 grandchildren, sister-in-law Ann Williams, and several other loving family and friends.

John served in the US Navy from 1943-1946 during WWII.  His service included Navy Training School Great Lakes in Illinois where he was trained as a Machinist Mate.  He specialized in Packard Marine Engines for patrol torpedo boats.  John was aboard the USS Cape Perpetua and the USS Attu among other assignments in the Navy.  John received the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Ribbon.  John was a member of the VFW for 77 years.

After his military service John worked in Tool & Die. He was a machinist, and an Engineer for much of his life.  He was also a Master Mason with the Honeoye Falls Lodge and had the amazing gift of memorizing the rituals.  He was a member of The Scottish Rite, and the Damascus Shriners. John was a very intelligent, calm, and caring person who had many facets of life. He was a great square dancer, long standing President of the Rochester Chapter of the United States Singleton Organization, leather smith, an orchidologist, grower of many African Violets, beekeeper, and a Lifetime Member of the Cleveland Aquarium Society to name a few. John also held a Doctor of Divinity Degree. Johnny Boy was the only man I knew who could pick 4 Leaf Clovers out of a field with ease.

A Graveside Service and burial will be held at 2pm on Monday, July 29 ^th , at the Western New York Veterans Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, NY 14036, with military honors.  In John’s memory memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Outreach Center, 447 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620.  To send a condolence or share a memory please visit:  www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com