Robert F. Williams, II

Robert F. Williams II of Green Lane, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 14, 2026. Born on December 20, 1941 in Charleston, South Carolina, he was the son of Anna Coleman and Robert Franklin Williams.

Robert, fondly known as Bob, Dad, Ears, Uncle Bobby, China Bob, and Pop-It, was an instrumental figure in the firefighting/emergency services world. As a teenager, Bob spent time hanging out at the Prospect Fire Company and joined after the Fire Chief told him, “If you want to play pool here, then become a member.” That is where his spark for Fire & Rescue was ignited. In 1960, Bob joined the U.S. Navy as a flight mechanic. Upon discharge, he worked as an automotive mechanic, always volunteering his time with his local fire company. In May of 1966, he joined the Fairmount Engine Company #2 in Norristown where he mentored, trained and led many. He served as Captain and is a Life member. For over ten years, he held the position of Norristown Fire Marshall.

Bob was a founding member of the Norristown Diving Unit and instrumental in developing the Montgomery County Public Communication Center. He was a Fire & Rescue instructor for many years with several organizations, including Civil Defense and Montgomery County Instructors (fondly called “MISFITS”). He provided training at Building 17/50, traveling to local fire departments in “Big Blue.” If you learned to tie a knot, utilize the Hurst rescue tool, or raise a ladder, you were most likely trained under “Ears.”

His love of the emergency fire system had him venturing into sales of fire equipment for most of his life, selling power rescue tools such as the Hurst Jaws of Life, the Power Hawk Rescue System, and the POP-IT tool. Bob was always thinking of new and creative ways to improve things. His work led him across the Mid Atlantic United States and even internationally to China.

In addition to his work in the fire service industry, Bob enjoyed roller skating, dancing, hunting, and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Yingrong “Shelling” Dong, daughters Donna Horn (William) and Deborah Reigh (Judson), stepchildren Phillip Moravec (Michelle), Sharon Martinez (Dan), Hoajie “RJ” Zhang, grandchildren Meghan, Jake, Abby, Reese, Julia, Lucy, Max, Elena, and Nathan, and his great-granddaughter Ryleigh.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Robert’s memory to the Montgomery County Hero Fund, P.O. Box 231, Eagleville, PA 19408.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring. Please check back later for details.

Arrangements are by The Bacchi Funeral Home, Bridgeport, PA.

Condolences to the family may be posted at www.bacchifh.com.