(Thomas) Joe Williams, 76, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, died on Monday July 6, 2009 at Largo Medical Center in Largo, FL. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Raymond and Margaret (Doyle) Williams.

Joe attended local schools and graduated from the former Bishop Duffy High School in 1952 where he was elected into their Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in basketball. He served in the United States Air Force in Maintenance and Supply and was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Bragg, NC from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956 where he also played basketball for the Airbase teams. On April 11, 1953 he married Clare G. (Gornicki) Williams at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls, NY.

Joe was employed twenty seven years with Niagara Junction Railroad, later known as Conrail Railroad, where served as past president of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Cataract Lodge #639. In 1985 Joe and Clare began spending time in Largo, Florida and permanently moved there in 2002.

Throughout his lifetime, Joe was a coach and sports enthusiast. He began as a basketball coach at Our Lady of the Rosary and later at Prince of Peace Schools in Niagara Falls, NY. For many years, Joe coached for PAL Baseball and Little League Zone 7 teams, as well as for the PAL City League for girl's softball and basketball.

In the 1970's Joe was actively involved in politics in the Niagara Falls area, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #247 in Niagara Falls, NY. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Dunedin, FL, where he coached the girls and boys elementary basketball teams for ten years. Joe also coached California Boys Basketball and for the Miami Trace High School Junior Varsity Team in Ohio, and retired from coaching in 2000.

Joe was a member of the American Legion Post # 273 in Madeira, FL and past member of Elks Lodge #2159 in Largo, FL, and the Moose Lodge Niagara Falls, NY. He was a fan of Notre Dame and Buffalo Bills football teams and the Boston Red Sox baseball team. He loved being with people, teaching the basics of basketball and working on the railroad but Joe's greatest love was his family.

In addition to his wife of fifty six years, Mr. Williams is survived by five children Robert (Joanne) Williams of Laguna Beach, CA; Edward (Terri) Williams of Niagara Falls, NY; Lori (Brian) Brooks of Wilmington, NC; Richard (Debra) Williams of Niagara Falls, NY; Debra (Danny) Southward of Washington C.H., OH and was predeceased by one son Tommy J. Williams, Jr. He was also Papa Joe to fourteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, his extended family of four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother Jack (Sharon) Williams of Londonderry, NH; one sister Carol (Louis) DeSantis of Niagara Falls, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one brother and two sisters Raymond (Marilyn of Niagara Falls, NY) Williams, Jane (Neil of the Town of Niagara) Johnson and Molly (late John) Jurkin.

Friends may call on Friday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Saturday July 11th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 259 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Michael Burzynski, Ph.D. officiating. Interment with Military Honors, will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. The Knights of Columbus Council #247 will conduct prayer services on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Flowers are graciously declined. Memorial donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Association, 2150 Towne Central Place Suite 120, Anaheim, CA 92806.