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Lt. John Williamson
Lt. John Williamson
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John Williamson Obituary
John P. Williamson was not a casual golfer. He signed up for golf lessons, practiced in his yard and even made a player of his son, Marc. The pair routinely disappeared for hours on a golf course. "He was just so focused," said his wife, Mary. "He was able to do anything."
Battalion Chief Williamson, 46, showed the same dedication to his job and family. In his 23 years with the New York Fire Department, he rose through the ranks to become chief of Battalion 6 in Lower Manhattan. And at home in Warwick, N.Y., he designed and built a wood-and-glass house for his family. He made the furniture, too.
Chief Williamson later added a basketball court for his daughter, Jessica, and rearranged his schedule so that he could attend all her school games. He kept lunch dates with his mother, Lucy, even when he was busy. "He was a true Renaissance man," his wife said. "We got a lot of work out of him in the winter when there was too much frost on the ground to play golf."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 13, 2001.
LT. JOHN WILLIAMSON, 46, of Warwick, N.Y., a New York fire department battalion commander, was passionate about life and dedicated to his job. "There is no greater love than this – to lay down one's life for one's friends," said his brother, Dan. Williamson's teen-age daughter, Jessica, said her father had a smile that could light up a room. "He was never fake to anyone," she said. "My dad believed 110 percent in everything he did. I will always be my daddy's little girl."
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Donald Areinoff
September 12, 2016
He is a hero of NYC, a hero for the U.S.A and a man who God created and loved. R.I.P.
Michael Martin
September 12, 2014
This year I rode in 2 million Bikers to DC. The 600 mile round trip is dedicated to you my fallen hero. Each of us had to wear a name tag. Never Forget,,
Best
-Mike
Hope
May 1, 2013
Dear Williamson Family,
I am researching John for school for a 9/11 project. From what I have learned so far I can tell he was an amazing man, loving father, husband, brother, and son. He was also dedicated, devoted to his family, honest, focused, and best of all a hero. There many types of heroes. A Hero to one's family, town, state, nation, and many more. He was all of those. I am very sorry for your loss and I will work to keep his memory alive. Know he is in a better place now. He loves you all very much and continues to live on in your family's hearts. If there is any information you would like to share with me please contact me. Again i am very sorry.
Lisa Marie Obrotka
September 11, 2012
Mr. Williamson is always the one who I think of at the thought, mention, and especially the day of Sept. 11th. I try to track you down, Marc, each & every year because I want to know you are okay but also that I love you always
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Sean Eaton
September 12, 2009
For the second year, I participated in the 9/11 memorial stair climb in Denver, CO. 343 firefighters from around Colorado and 5 other states came to Denver to remember those we lost. Last years I carried a picture of Lt. Williamson around my neck as I made that 110 story climb while this year I carried the picture of FF Hector Tirado. These two brother firefighters will never be forgotten and will live on in the hearts of many.
God Bless
Sean Eaton, Firefighter/Medic
Louisville, CO
R Moss
September 11, 2009
I met Lt. Williamson several weeks before 9/11 while visiting my ill brother in a hospital in New York City. He was my brother's neighbor in Warwick and had graciously volunteered to drive some of our family members back and forth several miles to the hospital each day. When I greeted him, I thought "what a good and decent neighbor he is to do this for us."
I was shocked when I heard much later that he died in the 9/11 attacks.
God Bless Lt. Williamson and his Family.
Mitchell Norris
May 25, 2009
Hi John and Famliy i realy like your songs i hear them every day my best one is True Blue the Breaker and This is gollipoli i don't konw how to spell that my sister likes The Breaker, The Bugie song, This is Gollipli and True Blue i sing True Blue every day my sisters name is Tareya and mine is Mitchell
P.S Tareya is hard to pronouce.
Lizzette Soto
September 11, 2007
You will always be remembered... :-)
P Tabbernor
April 20, 2007
In remembrance....
John G. Williamson
November 22, 2003
Dear Williamson Family,
I only recently encountered this web site, through a search for fellow Williamsons in the US. I never expected to discover that a fellow member of the Williamson clan had died in the terrible atrocity of 11-Sep-2001.
Although 2 years have passed since then, please accept my sincerest condolenses on the loss of someone so close to you all.
I am sure that your John (like myself and all Williamsons, a golfer) is still enjoying a round or two with the good lord.
God bless you all
John
Luci Stoddard
September 13, 2002
To the Wiliamson Family:
I went to a memorial mass at my church Saint Francis Chapel in Providence and they had every persons name that lost there lives on 9-11, you were to pick a name and pray for that person everyday. I have that small paper with John's name taped to my phone at work. I don't know why but I was drawn to John's name. I will promise to pray for John and his family for the rest of my life. I also knew Shawn Nassaney that was in the second plane that hit the towers. To this day it pains me to relive that horrible day. So may families will live there lives with a broken heart. May God Bless you and your family forever.. All my love
Luci Stoddard
Janet Williamson
September 11, 2002
My heart goes out to your family and love ones. I have known 4 "Williamson" men in my life. My Father-in-law Buster, my Husband Danny ( a golfer) and my two sons, Troy and Dewayne, (also a golfer). They are very good men. Troy is a Staff Sargent in the US Air Forse. I'm not sure, but it must be in the name, because as in John's case, they have a loving heart.
I will remember your family in my prayers from now on.
With Love,
Janet Williamson
Ayesha Williamson
September 10, 2002
Reading his tribute makes me want to cry. He was truly a family man. You'll are lucky to have such a father/husband.
God bless you'll
Andrew Parker
August 28, 2002
I don't know Batallion Chief John P. Williamson, or his family. But I do know his kind. I had an uncle, who has since passed who was an Asst. Chief here in Cincinnati. It takes a special person, an unselfish person, who is willing to risk their own life to save the life of someone they don't know. I just received a bracelet with John's name on it. I will wear it proudly and never forget the courage and bravery of all the men and women who never hesitated and ran into those buildings to try and save lives. May God bless and watch over the families of the victims and know that they will NEVER be forgotten.
Angie Campbell
June 11, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
May 24, 2002
MAY THE HEROIC SOUL OF LT.JOHN WILLIAMSON AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFULLY DEPARTED THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE...MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Shawn Williamson
March 19, 2002
I found a biography about a man with my last name from 9/11 and just had to read it. How proud you must be to know John died a hero. My prayers are with you.
Pete Shires
March 13, 2002
To: The Williamson Family,
Words cannot adequately express the gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifice that Chief Williamson made along with his many fellow firefighters. I am sorry for your loss, I can only pray for all of you and ask God to be with you. Please know that I will try to honor Chief Williamson by wearing a bracelt that bears his name.
May God keep you and bless you,
Nicholas Gillespie
March 11, 2002
Dear Williamson family,
My mom is going to type this for me. "My name is Nicholas Gillespie. I am 6 years old. Soon after the Sept. 11th tragedy, my church gave out the names of firefighters families to pray for. I drew John Williamson's name. I want you to know that I have been praying for you because we know that your husband and father died. I feel bad and have not forgot to pray for you everyday. We are glad that John is in Heaven now and God and Jesus are with him.
I will keep on praying for you all day and night.
Love,
Nicholas Gillespie
Hello,
I am Nicholas' mom and I finally have found somewhere to write to the family of John Williamson. First I want to say how much we have thought about your family. My son Nicholas is our little prayer warrior. He has diligently been praying for you and your family. Not a day has gone by where he does not verbally mention your family in prayer. If my husband and I forget we get in big trouble. Please know that we will continue to pray for you to have strength and peace in the months ahead. There is one little boy here that cares so much for you and your family even though he has never met you. May you feel God's love and peace.
Kristie Gillespie
Howell, Mi.
Rocco Demo
January 25, 2002
John,
It was a pleasure to work with you at Engine 43 and to know you as a person. You will always be, in my eyes, a true "gentle man", concerned and caring for others like no other can. I, along with many other people, will miss you very much.
I could not get myself to write about this tragic day and I still cannot believe it ever happened.
Bless You John, and God will take care of your wonderful family.
Rocco (Eng 43 Retired)
Erin Walsh
January 15, 2002
Jessie, Marc, and Mrs. Williamson...Mr. Williamson was the best.I know from expierence. I played b-ball with Jess in High school. He was at every game. I've seen his dedication to his family. His eyes lit up everytime Jessie hit that 3. Rest in Peace Mr. Williamson..you've done great...Watch over Jessie as she goes onto college...And Get Marc through Bosco...And give Mrs Williamson the strength to help them get them through their such important years of their lives. I love you guys...You are a true hero..
Anna Gaffney-Andreozzi
January 12, 2002
Dear Mary and family,
I wanted to express to you and your family my sympathy on the loss of your husband and father.
I am a cousin of Mary's from CT. and I have not seen you in years. I know that my mom has been in contact with you but I wanted you to know that I have been thinking about you a lot. I remember your stays at our home fondly. I hope to hear from you. With my deepest sympathy, Anna
J Cherbonneau
December 23, 2001
Dear John and Family,
I never met you or your family, John, but I wanted to express my condolences to you and your family.
A friend of mine told me the other day what life is all about. He knew I was doubting what the purpose could possibly be in the wake of the September 11, tragedy. This friend told me life is not about living for ME, it is about living for SOMEONE ELSE. You obviously knew that, John, when you became a firefighter as did your fellow comrades who perished and those who survived on September 11.
I am so sorry for your loss and I hope your loved ones, friends and fellow comrades find comfort in the words people from all over the world have expressed.
Christmas and the holidays truly have a new meaning this year. Love and caring has spread like wildfire and patriotism has enveloped us all!
My thoughts and prayers will forever be with you all!
December 12, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS YOU LT.JOHN WILLIAMSON
AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS
YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS
AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 2, 2001
I am so sorry for your loss.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Cheavacci Family Cheavacci
November 10, 2001
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.Thank you for your bravery Lt. John Williamson.You are now an angel.
Lois Evans
October 30, 2001
I wanted to let you know I am praying for your family everyday. My church made crosses for each victim in this horrible tragedy and placed them on the front lawn of the church. I have adopted a cross in honor of your family and in memory of your loved one, Lt. John Williamson. May God bless you.
pat mcgillen-markstrum
October 29, 2001
I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. And how very proud you must be of John.
Kasandra pantoja
October 23, 2001
My prayers are with you and your family. May God grant you peace.
Dianne Purdy
October 7, 2001
I did not know Lt. John Williamson but I want to let you know how much my heart hurts for your loss. Every day, I ask God to take care of your family and comfort you.
Love,
Dianne
P.S. Jessica, Your daddy must have been a terrific man!
Maritza Rosales
September 24, 2001
You must feel very proud for what Lt. williamson did. I pray that God will now give you the comfort and strength to go on with your life. God bless you and all the firefighters who gave their life trying to rescue others.
McKenna Cole
September 19, 2001
No greater love exists than the kind that leads a man to lay down his life for others. America is a better place because of your unselfish dedication to fellow citizens, and every American will always remember your sacrifice. May you rest in peace. And may God's richest blessings comfort your loved ones as the memories of you live on in their hearts.
Veronica Ayres
September 19, 2001
You have given your own life so that many others could live, to me that is a true act of Heroism. You will forever live in the hearts of many as a True Hero. Godspeed my friend. May you now walk hand in hand with the Lord. Farewell my Hero!
marylou holmes
September 18, 2001
may godspeed, love and honor you within his heart as we do within ours. your gift of yourself for the safety of so many is a wonder. thank you for your bravery, sincerely, marylou holmes
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