The Rev. Joseph Anthony Williams, 91, of Cazenovia, died at Upstate University Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. He was born May 11, 1930, in Rome, N.Y. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, of 54 years and two children, Jennifer (Thad Southwick) and Scott. He was a loving “Pampa” to Jacob and Aaron Southwick. He is also survived by his sisters Jackie Carroll of Minot, ND, and Patricia Rutland of Albany, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his four brothers Robert, Richard, Anthony and Ronald.
Joe graduated from Rome Free Academy, SUNY Fredonia and Philadelphia Divinity School. He had a zest for life and was a Renaissance man whose smile displayed his wry sense of humor. He met Ruth while attending Philadelphia Divinity School and they married at the chapel on June 3, 1967. Joe was an Episcopal priest serving parishes in Sherrill, Chittenango, Canastota, Oneida, Utica, Oswego, Marathon, Jamesville and Waterville. He was a high school teacher at many schools including the most recent at Cazenovia High School for 26 years. He spent three and a half years in the U.S. Air Force and two and a half years in the National Guard. He was also an artist, musician and author. He was quite a creative individual and was a lover of all genres of music. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
The immediate family will have a private celebration of life at a later date. To leave a message of sympathy for the Williams family, please visit michaelebrownfuneralservices.com. P.S. From Smokin’ Joe to his former students … let me tell you a story … here ends the lesson.
