Photo courtesy of Colonial Funeral Homes - Brick
Brick, New Jersey
Apr 2, 1922 – Oct 3, 2019 (Age 97)
COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 2170 HIGHWAY 88, BRICK, NJ
Richard Forrest Williamson, 97 of Brick, passed away Thursday morning October 3rd at Ocean Medical Center. Born with resilience and determination, he taught himself what he needed to know. From his experiences, he loved to share stories with others along the way. He was born in Camden, traveled extensively, but lived for six decades on the same street in the Laurelton section of Brick.
He served proudly in the U.S. Navy, doing stints in Cuba, and San Diego, CA. He made his own life stories working at Campbell’s Soup, the New York Ship Builders in Camden, the Murray Funeral Home in Camden, Hamilton Watch Company in Lancaster, PA. He attended New Jersey Teachers’ College on the GI Bill, earning a Bachelor’s and later a Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts. He taught first at the Ocean Road Elementary School in Point Pleasant, NJ, and later worked as an industrial arts teacher and department supervisor for the Freehold Regional School District. In addition, he served as Board President for the Brick Township Board of Education. He loved his Scottish roots, and supported his brother Masons at the Cloud Lodge in Camden, and as a Master Mason at the Durand Lodge in Point Pleasant Beach. For many years, he was the organizer for the New Jersey Kilties for the Burns Night Supper. In the summers between teaching, he was proud to work as a blacksmith for Allaire State Park in Wall Township. He worshipped at St. Paul’s in Camden, served on the council at St. Thomas Lutheran in Brick, and attended services at All Saints Episcopal in Bay Head.
Richard was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Doris Bruckler Williamson. He is survived by David Forrest Williamson, and Grace Williamson Haviland, who each reside in Brick. Richard was also the proud grandfather of Evan B.F. Williamson of Hightstown, as well as Claire Elizabeth Haviland and Ava Grace Haviland of Brick, NJ. His family invite you to remember Richard during the viewing Monday at Colonial Funeral Home, Route 88, in Brick (2-4pm, 7-9pm). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, payable to Holly Assembly, mailed to: Holly Assembly 56 (Rainbow Girls); 1450 Viola Court; Brick, NJ 08724, or the charity of your choice. He will be remembered in services at All Saints Episcopal Church in Bay Head on Tuesday at 10:30am (park in municipal lot), and as he wished, interred with honors at a ceremony, 1pm, at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd., (near Arneytown Road), in Wrightstown, NJ.
Read MoreMr. Williamson was a warm loving man he loved my children he used to get them off the bus when they were younger they used to play in the house with his wife and Mr. Williams himself hes going to be dearly missed and hes a wonderful man that had wonderful stories and I will miss him a lot my sympathies go out deeply to his family Joann Caballero And family
Joann Caballero
April 08, 2020 | Brick, NJ | Friend
Cousin of my late mother Margaret Forrest. Happy memories of the many visits he enjoyed to Largs Scotland and trips on the Waverley paddle steamer. I'll leave a small tribute on the Forrest gravestone which you always visited. Frances & Robert Beith
Frances Trushell
December 27, 2019 | Beith | Family
Richard, you have been in my life since you began courting my sister Doris. You have been such a big part of our family...miss you already. Doris is waiting for you.
Janet Parks
October 11, 2019 | Middletown, DE | Brother
So sorry to hear of Rich's passing. He was a wonderful man on every level who had such a passion for life. I hadn't seen him in many years and sadly, just learned of his passing. If there was ever a publication called "Nice Guys Monthly," he'd have been on the cover many times. Heartfelt condolences to the family. RIP Richard and say hello to that beloved music teacher "Mrs Williamson" who also touched many of our lives growing up in Brick schools.
DJS
DAVID SEME
October 10, 2019 | Freehold, NJ
Richard was always a gentleman and a great storyteller. I would sit with him for hours and enjoy his company. RIP my friend. You will always be missed. When you pass through those gates , give Doris aka Doll a big hug for me.
Bruce Muntz
October 09, 2019 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Friend
Richard was a dear friend to my husband and myself. I have many fond memories of him over the years and spent many happy times with the Williamson family. We enjoyed his visits to Florida with Doris and I always made time to stop by when I was visiting my family in Brick. I still remember my first time attending Scottish games with him and his daughter Grace. He was resplendent in his kilt and was Sargent Major for the group he was marching with at the festival. He will be missed. We send...
Susan Menig-Muntz
October 09, 2019 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Friend
Richard was a dear friend, mentor, confidant, companion and comrade. A man with a kind heart, quick wit and a sharp mind. A man whose kind deeds remained anonymous. Natalie and I offer our sincere condolences to his family and companion Sue Jordan. May light perpetual shine upon him. God rest his soul.
james stites
October 08, 2019 | Indian Lake, NY
Richard was a dear friend, mentor, colleague confidant and companion. Natalie and I will miss him dearly. His generosity, hospitality and kindness will not be forgotten. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and to his companion Sue Jordan. May God rest his soul.
James Stites
October 07, 2019 | Indian Lake, NY
Richard was a dear friend, mentor, comrade, confidant, colleague and companion who will be dearly missed. His kindness and generosity to Natalie and me will never be forgotten. Natalie and I offer our sincere condolences to his family and his companion Sue Jordan. Words can not express our feeling of loss. May God rest his soul.
James Stites
October 07, 2019 | Indian Lake, NY
