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Stephen Ernest Williams

Stephen Ernest Williams, formerly of Chester and Branford, passed away peacefully on Feb. 17 after suffering complications related to pneumonia.

He was born on Oct. 1, 1948, the son of the late Lloyd S. Williams and Elizabeth Williams of Branford. He was predeceased by his brother Henry Williams of Branford.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara (Webb) Williams of Beavercreek, Ohio; his former wife, Joan Williams of Chester; his sons, Jason Williams of Chester and Kevin Williams of Warwick, Rhode Island.; his daughter Laura (Bryan) Swanson of Webster, New York; and his two grandchildren, Annika and Evan Swanson, whom he adored. He is also survived by his sister Tricia Northrop of Clinton; his brother’s wife, Mary Williams of Branford; his sister-in-law Laureen Mastroianni of Cheshire; his sister-in-law Joan Watson of New Hampshire; and several nieces and nephews.

Stephen attended Branford High School, then transferred and was a graduate of Milford Academy in l966. After graduation, he attended the University of Connecticut. The following fall of l967, he left UConn and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years during the Vietnam War. He attended nuclear power school and then served on the USS Guam, achieving the rank of IC2. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1972.

Stephen attended the University of New Haven, majoring in electrical engineering. He was employed by the Southern New England Telephone Co/Southern Bell/AT&T from January l972 until he retired in April 2005.

Stephen was also a former resident of Pawson Park in Branford. He grew up on the shoreline and loved sailing and boating activities on the Long Island Sound. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a New York Yankees fan.

Stephen served on several Chester community committees before moving to Ohio, which included the Wetlands Commission and the Chester Ambulance Association. He was a former Deacon of The United Church of Chester, served as a trustee, and was a member of the church choir. He also served on the Handicapped Access Committee that provided the church’s elevator installation. In Beavercreek, Stephen served on the Consistory Committee at his local church and enjoyed singing in their church choir.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Stephen’s name to Vietnam Veterans of America: vva.org or Mattersvillevets.org (a non-profit that supports veterans). His niece Jennifer is currently a proud participant in this organization.

The family is planning a “celebration of life” service in the summer and a private burial.