Tommy Williams

Tommy Williams, a beloved fixture in the Mercer County golf community and a passionate champion of Princeton, died at his home Saturday, April 19. He was 73.
A proud native of Jersey City, where he was raised in the Montgomery Gardens projects, Tommy retired after nearly three decades as an insurance agent for the Nelson & Ward Company, based in Iselin.
After settling in Princeton with his wife, Wendy, in 1996 Tommy became what could accurately be described as the soul of the Mercer County Golf system, generously sharing his knowledge and passion of the game with friends and struggling newcomers and strangers.
Tommy was a gifted and patient teacher, especially with first timers. His devotion was boundless – he could be found on the course helping someone improve their chipping game (his specialty) after the rain chased everyone else back to the clubhouse. He was widely popular with veteran players often shouting his name across fairways, thrilled to get his attention and share their scores.
Tommy played courses all over France and Ireland on his frequent travels to both countries with his wife and friends. He also played throughout the United States, with Torrey Pines near San Diego, Calif., his particular favorite.
Tommy was also one of the original regulars at the now-closed Little Taste of Cuba on Witherspoon Street, a cigar lounge where often regaling friends and customers with his golf course exploits and tall tales. His good nature, charm and decency was infectious.
Tommy also was a great booster of the Princeton community and fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald. His passion for the author's work led him to inspect Fitzgerald's original manuscripts at Princeton University's Firestone Library, an inspiring event that he often mentioned with pride.
Tommy is survived by Wendy Williams, his wife of 30 years; his daughter, Mellissa Carbone Moser, grandson, August Moser and son-in-law, Peter Moser of Mountain Lakes, N.J.; his brother Michael Williams, Sr., and sister-in law Ruth Williams, of East Windsor; nephews Michael Williams and Nicholas Williams; step-brother Jerry Bohrer, sister in-law Joanne Bohrer; nephews Jack Bohrer and Jerry Bohrer and a niece, Nicole Donio. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary Bohrer and father, Robert Bohrer; and two sisters, MaryEllen Rozzell and Patricia Brennan.
An "Irish Wake" service will be held between 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, 40 Vandeventer Avenue. Princeton. A period of storytelling and reflection about Tommy will begin at 730 p.m. Visitors are urged to bring their stories and a smile.