Dennis Paul Williams

Dennis Paul Williams, 81, passed away on August 22, 2024 following complications from pneumonitis. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and a loyal friend to many. Dennis was born on March 10, 1943 in Rochester, NY to Francis and Elsie Williams. He attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and graduated from Boston College in 1965. After teaching English in the Peace Corps in Bismil, Turkey, he obtained a PhD from Johns Hopkins in 1976.

Dennis joined the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget. He received two Presidential Rank Awards: Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service in 1991 and Distinguished Executive in the Senior Executive Service in 1997. He was also awarded the James T. Blum Award for Exceptional and Distinguished Accomplishment and Leadership in Public Budgeting in 2001. That same year, he served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget and the following year was appointed Deputy Administrator for HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration. In 2009, he became Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Recovery Act Coordination, which managed the distribution of about $137 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In retirement, Dennis joined the Tenleytown Neighborhood Association, where he was an advocate for the neighborhood on new development and construction in the area.

Dennis is remembered for his sense of humor, his love of good conversation, and his roaring laugh. Dennis is survived by his wife of 54 years, Eleftheria (Lilina); daughters Christina and Elena; grandchildren, Niko and Mila; siblings Ronald, Linda, and Barbara; and in-laws, nieces, nephew, and cousins. A celebration of life is planned.