David Williams

WOLFEBORO --- David Chapman Williams, 86, of Rollingwood Drive, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at MountainView Community in Ossipee, NH, surrounded by his loved ones.

David was born on December 13, 1939, in Hartford, CT, the son of the late Milton Albert Williams and Doris Leona (Feltham) Williams. He grew up in Berlin, CT, and attended Berlin schools through 10th grade. David graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon in 1957. He continued his education at Springfield College and later at Hartford Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree. David was ordained as a minister for the United Church of Christ (UCC or Congregational Church) in 1964 at his home church in Berlin, CT, where he also celebrated his 30th anniversary years later.

David served as a settled pastor at churches in Brimfield, MA (1964-1972), Tewksbury, MA (1972-1980), and Lunenburg, MA (1980-1988). Following this, he served as an interim minister in East Bridgewater, Williamstown, Lowell, and Fitchburg, MA (1988-1998), as Interim Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship & Financial Development at the MA Conference of the UCC (1998-2000), and as Stewardship and Planned Giving Associate for the NH Conference of the UCC (2000-2010). He was well-known for his engaging sermons and his work with children during baptisms, children's sermons, and youth groups, as well as his expertise in church fundraising. For many years, David and his wife, Patricia, consulted with New England churches on capital campaigns.

David enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, restoring old boats, woodworking, working around the house, planting vegetable gardens, and planning "play days" with the family. David was a caring, kind, and compassionate man. He never judged a book from its cover and was always there to lend an ear for anyone in need. David loved his children–and everyone else's. He was a great friend to many. He also volunteered with the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, maintaining and walking property boundaries to ensure that markers were properly labeled.

David is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Patricia (Harris) Williams; his children, Todd Williams and Jennifer Williams (and partner Brad); his step-children David Farley (and wife Jan), Margo Woodall (and husband John), and Dana Farley; his sister Betsy Bighinatti (and husband Richard); his grandchildren Kendra (and husband Luke), Benjamin (and wife Natalie), Ruthie, Dylan (and wife Hailey), Cameron, Brianna (and husband Chris), Marissa (and husband Jake), Aidan, Caitlin, and Owen; and his great-grandchildren Casey Grace Perna, Brayden Todd Perna, Connor Deslin, Logan James Heney, Hudson George Hooper, Colby Fielders, Cash Fielders, and Robert Chapman Davis (born just two weeks after David's passing).

There will be no calling hours.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at First Congregational Church, 115 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, NH. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations in David's name be made to the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, PO Box 766, Center Harbor, NH 03226, or Northfield Mount Hermon, 1 Lamplighter Way, Mount Hermon, MA 01354.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.