Ken Williams

Kenneth John Williams Jr. (Ken Williams, Wolf) was born on October 7, 1951, in Philadelphia to Hellen Delores Nixon Williams & Kenneth John Williams Sr. He lived most of his life in Lansdowne PA. He died surrounded by love on June 6, 2024 at age 72.

Ken spent his life helping people. He graduated from Temple University and trained in the school of humanistic psychology with leaders in the field. He was Clinical Supervisor at Mirmont. He worked at Giuffre/ Girard Medical Center, Advantage Recovery Network and Northwest Human Services (NHS). He taught at Catholic Social Services in Wilmington DE. Finally, Ken enjoyed private practice at Ken Williams' Recovery in Media and then Lansdowne, PA.

Ken and his colleagues developed some of the first adolescent substance abuse recovery programs for teens and their families. Throughout the years, he often worked with adults who had been those same teens decades before. He helped people improve their lives and careers. He taught skills for better relationships and families.

Ken's father died when he was only two years old. He was raised by his mother and grandma (Hellen Nixon Ellis). His upstate Williams family and beloved grandfather cherished him. He grew up with his cousin Carol (Carol Mealey Arpa), who was more like his sister.

As a kid, Ken ran faster than he could bike on his 50/50 raffle rounds in Lansdowne PA. At Bonner High School, he always had a flourish to his uniform with unique ties, pocket squares and haircuts that gave the nuns fits. Wolf was a free thinker.

After an injury working at Virginia Donuts, Ken had serious back surgery that led to his own drug and alcohol addiction for years thereafter. This personal experience gave him insights and compassion for his clients and their families.

Ken enjoyed twenty-five years with his late wife, Constance Virginia Sheerin. Ken supported her in her substantial career as an artist, author and media personality. They were a staple around Lansdowne, participating in the Art Show, Farmer's Market and the community in general.

Ken and his current wife, Kelly Bliss had seven precious years together. They enjoyed good food, movies, music, nature and road trips. They survived COVID together, both continuing to "see" clients with phone sessions and meetings in the garden. Collegial case conferencing at the end of the work day was a special pleasure.

Ken is survived by his wife, Donna Kelly Bliss (Kelly Bliss), his three beloved daughters Karen Verrecchio Talbot and her children, Alicia "Leeshie" Sheerin, Nicole Marie Bliss, his cousin Carol Arpa and her sons Francis Louis Arpa and James Scott Arpa.

Preceding Ken in death are his late wife, Connie Sheerin, his mother Hellen and father Kenneth John, his grandmother "Mom", his beloved aunt Elizabeth Nixon McDonough (Gig) and his Uncle Gerry (Ger Ger).

Friends and family will gather on Sat 6/29/24 at 1pm for "Ken Williams' Celebration of Life and Love" at Drexelbrook, 4700 Drexelbrook Drive, Drexel Hill, PA 19026. Speakers will begin at 1:30pm, followed by refreshments and community. Please think if you would like to share a memory with us. Please email photos or short videos ASAP to kellybliss17@gmail.com so they might be included in the memory reel.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ken Williams' name to Prevention Point https://ppponline.org/donate or KIND (Kids in Need of Desks) https://www.unicefusa.org/what-unicef-does/childrens-education/kids-need-desks-kind/donate-kind-desk

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