Thompson F. "Tony" Williams Jr.

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Brandeis University

Thompson Williams Obituary

68, of Watertown, MA, died October 10, 2007 after a two year battle with lung cancer. A former Dean of Students at Brandeis University, Mr. Williams directed and taught in the Transitional Year Program there for over 30 years. He was devoted to the University and to his students, and was a loved and admired mentor and colleague. He sat on the Boards of the Crittenden Society and Mass PRO, and was an accomplished pianist and jazz aficionado. Mr. Williams leaves his daughter, Toni K. Williams of Boston; a sister Thomasine Yates of Los Angeles; a niece Karen Daniels of Illinois; a grandson, Marco Thompson of Boston, and his partner of many years, Susan Haskell of Boston. Memorial Service Sunday, Oct. 28th, 2007 at Usdan Student Center's International Lounge, Brandeis University, 15 South St., Waltham at 2 PM. Arrangements by Davis Funeral Home, ROXBURY and MATTAPAN. Visit: DavisFuneralHomeBoston.com to send a sympathy message to the family.

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Published by Boston Globe on Oct. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Thompson Williams

15 Entries

susan haskell

October 6, 2024

thinking of tony today (and everyday)

Michael Kalafatas

January 4, 2024

I worked with Tony at Brandeis. Yet decades ago, today my mind went to him: intellectual, curious, reflective, and talented. Lunch with Tony always led to an intellectual discussion or issues of social justice. The world of the past is gone, but some people live on strongly. Tony was the first Black QB in Boston schoolboy sports; that role at English HS as I recall, my alma mater. And could he "tinkle the ivories."

Susan M Haskell

October 6, 2023

he is missed

Susan Haskell

October 6, 2022

15 years gone. but on my mind every day. so sad to lose him, but grateful for the memories. xxoo

Timocin Pervane

October 27, 2007

Tony's warm smile, infectious laughter and wise words are woven throughout the memories of my childhood. His visits always brought on a case of the "tee-hee's" when we were young and when older I looked forward to hearing him debate topics and events with such relish and enthusiasm. Much love, thoughts and prayers are with him.

Celia Brown

October 22, 2007

Tony loved his music, cooking and talking politics. He joined us at many family gatherings. His perspective on life was a gift to me. 27 years ago he reminded me that struggling is just part of life. This was said after I complained about some minor issue in my young adult life.

You will be missed Tony!

Michele Rosenthal

October 21, 2007

Tony's clear commitment to students and all things that mattered made a difference in the lives of his colleagues and friends. His smile and contagious laughter had a way of turning a day from ordinary to special.
May his memory be a blessing.

Foster Brown

October 20, 2007

Many were blessed by knowing Tony Williams. He made a difference in our lives, and I wanted to share the results of one conversation with Tony and how it affected my life.

Some remain alive in our mind's eye, even if they are no longer of this world. One of Tony's comments more than two decades ago still echoes in my mind. He once told me that we can judge a society by the number of casualties that it causes. He helped me see how far we need to go for better societies in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Tony's observation continues to guide my work. It helps me reflect whether I'm doing some good in reducing the number of casualties or just doing well professionally.

So Tony continues to make a difference, at least in my life; his influence didn't stop with his death. As I try to pass on his wise observation to my students in Brazil, his influence may continue to span generations and continents.

Veronica Passos

October 17, 2007

I am deeply saddened to hear of Tony's illness and death. I have many fond memories of him.I have known Tony since 1986 when I moved from Brazil to Boston with my husband Butch(brother of Susan, Tony´s longtime companion). One particular thing I remember is his love for jazz (and that inspired me also to appreciate it) and his thoughts on politics, which I greatly admired.
My thought and prayers are with you all - Tony´s family and friends at this difficult time.

Jim Haber

October 15, 2007

Tony was a great man, whose dedication inspired us all. He was the conscience of Brandeis and made us all think about how to be a positive force in a complicated society.

Andrea Karis

October 14, 2007

I worked for Tony for 5 years at TYP - I was so sorry to learn of his death. He was a great guy, and will be missed by thousands.

Hermoine Freeman

October 14, 2007

Dear Toni,
Alan and I moved to Silver Spring,Md in 2001. Alan was very ill and passed away in 2006. During that time I lost contact with so many people.I am deeply saddened to hear of Tony's illness and passing.We were friends since he was a young boy. I have many fond memories. My thought and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.