Edward J. Williams

Edward J. Williams obituary, Rensselaer, NY

Edward J. Williams

Upcoming Events

Mar

21

Burial

10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Angels Cemetery

Central Avenue, Colonie, NY

Edward Williams Obituary

Visit the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. website to view the full obituary.

Edward John Williams, 78, passed away peacefully in Springfield, Massachusetts after a short battle with cancer.

Born on May 22, 1947 in Albany, New York, he was the son of the late Doris O'Connor and Edward Williams. He was predeceased by his sister Christine, as well as his loving Aunt Lilian and Uncle Joe Dorato.

Ed leaves behind his sons Christopher and his wife Dawn, and Joseph and his wife Missy, along with his four cherished grandchildren, Tyler, Ryan, Pat, and Maci. He also leaves behind his former wife and dear friend, Barbara, and his brothers Michael and Tommy. He took great pride in his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow and pursue their own interests.

Ed proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic and was honorably discharged in 1971. He spent the majority of his career as a cable service technician before later finding renewed purpose as a driver's training instructor for the National Safety Council, a role he continued to enjoy long after retiring from the cable industry. Ed was also previously a member of the Massachusetts Baseball Umpire Association, umpiring local youth and high school baseball games alongside his son Joe.

Ed enjoyed camping, shooting sports, and spending time with his beloved husky, Koco. He will be remembered most for the joy he brought to his children during their early years-coaching baseball games, sharing thoughtful conversations, and creating lasting memories through camping trips, road trips, and simply spending time together as a family.

He was known for his endless supply of corny sayings and one-liners, which often made those around him roll their eyes while laughing at the same time. His familiar sayings, humor, and the memories he created will continue to echo in family conversations for years to come.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie, where Ed will be laid to rest and military funeral honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to benefit the Dakin Humane Society.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EATY2CNGAYFWQ


W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.

1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Williams

Tell your own story about Edward

Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.

Make a Donation
in Edward Williams's name

How to support Edward's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Edward Williams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Mar

21

Burial

10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Angels Cemetery

Central Avenue, Colonie, NY