Robert Edward Williamson Sr.

Chief Petty Officer, USN (Ret) Robert E. Williamson Sr., age 88, of Noank, CT entered into eternal rest on Thursday, March 28, 2019. He was born on October 7, 1930 in Bridgehampton, Long Island, NY, the youngest child of the late Eleazar and Alverta White Williamson.

Robert was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Sadie Jeraldine Williamson. Robert leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy a loving family; one son and four daughters: Robert E. Williamson Jr.(Christi) Raleigh, NC; Valerie Peckingham (Jim) Cheshire, CT; Dolores Jones (D. Earl) Louisville, KY; Patricia Burrell (Louis Sr.) Richmond, VA; and Marilyn Taylor Richmond, VA; 10 grandchildren, two step grandchildren, one great grandson, one brother-in-law Johnny J. Weston,Jr. of Gulfport, MS; his companion Susan Sumner; a dear nephew Clifford L. Patterson, Sr; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many longtime faithful friends and neighbors. Robert was predeceased by his brother, George Williamson Sr., and sisters Viola Patterson, Evelyn Lewis, Virginia Whigham, and Dora Pritchard.

At an early age, Robert was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton, NY. He was a boy scout and soccer player. In 1949, he graduated from Bridgehampton High School where he was a baseball scholar athlete and participated in the music program.  Although, he did not read piano music, he was fluent in chords and could ad lib.  On September 12, 1953, Robert was joined in holy matrimony with Sadie Jeraldine Weston in Mathews, VA.  

Robert was a member of Noank Baptist Church where he joyfully served as a lay reader. In retirement, he enjoyed driving for Congregate housing residents and the junior choir.

Chief Petty Officer WIlliamson held lifetime memberships in the Groton Base Sub Vets, Holland Club, and 85-40 Fleet Reserve B Ranch 20.  During his enlistment, he served 17 years on submarines including the USS Cubera, Sea Leopard, Skate, George C. Marshall (blue), and Bluefish.  While in the Navy, he held the job of Yeoman.  He often reminded folks, “If it isn’t written, it didn’t happen.”  He enjoyed traveling the world including Greece, the North Pole, Scotland, Spain and many undisclosed locations including extended excursions in the deep seas. He and his family were stationed in Virginia, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.   He was honorably discharged in 1975 after faithfully serving 26 years.  After retirement from the Navy, he settled in Noank, CT where he resided until his last days.

While in the Navy, Robert coached youth football and also enjoyed playing softball as a catcher.  

His second full time career began at Electric Boat, a division of General Dynamics Groton where he worked as a senior engineer assistant.  He earned his associate degree in Data Management from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI in 1984. When he retired from his second career, he enjoyed driving the school bus.  

Robert was very active in Masonry starting as a member of Jeptha Lodge in 1957. He went on to many roles in many houses: Past Master Jeptha Lodge #11, Past Worthy Patron- Electa Chapter #7/OES, Past High Priest-Burr chapter #5 Royal Arch Masons, Past Potentate - Makalia Temple #172 Shriners, Grand Inspector General-New Haven Consistory #7, (33 Degree), African Lodge #459 F.A.M.,Boston, MA and Past Grand Master-Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Connecticut.

Through the lodge and church, Dad could be counted upon for public speaking.  He was always prepared and prided himself on clear speech and eloquent delivery of the message or ceremony.  

Throughout his life, Bob spent his leisure time gardening and landscaping his yard and neighbor’s yards if they needed help.  Once he obtained a snow blower, he did the same until the task got to be physically too difficult and then the neighbors returned the favor.  He loved to sing karaoke and could often be heard belting out Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” He was an avid sports fan and loved to watch the Lakers and the UCONN women’s basketball teams.  You could find him on the grill fighting off seagulls.  He had a love of cars - specifically Cadillacs.  There were times where you could identify the year by the color of the Cadi in the photo.  Eventually, he settled into black broughams with red leather interior.  He specialized in road trips for most vacations. He and his wife were avid bowlers and even competed.  “Pencil Pusher” enjoyed his CB radio alongside his wife the “Pencil Eraser.” As a devoted father, he was a strict disciplinarian and valued education.  Dad was a good family man and provider.  He was supportive and frequently reminded his children, “ You can do anything you set your mind to” and that “You are the greatest because you came from the greatest - there is no one finer”.  Yes - a motivational speaker.   He loved to spoil his grandchildren with toys and to take them out for ice cream.  As a grandfather, he took time to play with the children and enjoyed watching their sports.

In later years, as a widow, he found companionship with Susan Sumner.  Susan and Willie enjoyed attending picnics and social events together.