Kenneth P. Williamson

(Asbury Park Press)

KENNETH P. WILLIAMSON
AGE: 80 LONG BRANCH
Kenneth P. Williamson, 80, of Long Branch, one of the nation's most noted track and field officials, passed away Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 at home. Williamson, whose specialty was the throwing events, officiated at track and field meets throughout the state and nation, and reached the highest level of the sport when he served at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Among the many meets he officiated at were the Millrose Games, the New Jersey International Meet, the IC4A Championships, the USA Track and Field Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, and the USA Olympic Trials. Earlier, he had officiated in soccer, baseball and football. Based at Fort Monmouth, he had a long career in federal employment, and traveled extensively in assignments as a technical specifications writer for helicopters, tanks and other military equipment. Later, he continued in the field in the private sector. He also served as a special police officer for the Borough of Eatontown. Born in Binghamton, NY, he graduated from Binghamton North High School and enlisted in the US Army. He rose to sergeant, served in Korea and saw extensive action and survived wounds in the Korean War. For his service in Korea, President Kim Dae-Jung of the Republic of Korea sent this message of tribute: "With deepest gratitude for your noble contributions to the Republic of Korea and the preservation of democracy around the world." A past president of the Long Branch Lions Club, he was an ardent follower of all sports, was presented the William J. Reid Award for "outstanding work and dedicated service to athletes and the official committee of the New Jersey Association of USA Track and Field," and the Shore Athletic Club Distinguished Service Award. "Ken Williamson was an outstanding official, a mentor, and a guiding force in the New Jersey Officials Committee," said Crawford Sabin, chairman of the USATF state officials committee. "He laid the foundation and set an example for many young officials who went on to serve in leadership capacities at national meets. His spirit will always be with us." "Ken was not only an outstanding official but a great person and friend," said Dan Mecca, track and field coach at Manhattan College, where Williamson often officiated.
A devoted family man, he is survived by Mary, his wife of 28 years; his step-father, Jacob Potak of Binghamton, NY; his brother, Dave and his wife Nancy Potak of Denver; his sister, Kathy and her husband Ray Smith of Johnson City, NY and his sister, Rosemary and her husband Dan Tautges of Capmbell, CA; a daughter, Lori and her husband Ken Carrick of Lorton, VA; son, Keith Williamson of Port Charlotte, FL; step-daughter, Lis Lepore of Lutz, FL; step-son, Stephen Beck of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren, Scott and Jessica Ferry, Caitlin Ferry, Kenneth J. Carrick, Samantha Kuzava and Abigail Lepore and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 4-8 pm Monday at the Fiore Funeral Home, 882 Broadway, West Long Branch. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday at the funeral home followed by entombment at Woodbine Cemetery, Oceanport. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Shore Athletic Club Development Fund, PO Box 381, West Long Branch, NJ 07764. Condolences may be emailed to fiorefh@aol.com and will be received by the family.