Joseph Vincent Williams

Joe was born to Joseph and Carmella Williams, May 12, 1937, in Watertown, New York. He graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1955 and received a Bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College in 1959. He married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Smith in 1964, and they lived together in Rockledge, Florida. Together they raised two children.

He leaves as his legacy two children: Paul Williams, (Denisa), and Alan Williams. He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren Gia Jaqueline Williams and Briana Lyn Williams; his sister Sandra Walchak; and numerous and treasured family members and friends. His family remembers him as a renaissance man with varied interests including music (self-taught in classical piano and accordion), auto racing, football, especially the Florida State Seminoles, reading, sailing, good wine and food, judo and whitewater rafting. Above all he was a great father, husband, role model, friend and hero.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Joe was a principal engineer during the golden age of spaceflight with an early career that spanned the Mercury space program through the beginning of the Space Shuttle program. Subsequently, he continued his career with Harris Corporation for 30 years until he retired in 2010. He received numerous awards and recognitions during his career but he would say the enjoyment he derived from his work and relationship with his colleagues was the reason he waited to retire at age 74.

A ceremony may be held at a later date. The family would like to thank family, friends and colleagues for all that they did to make Joe’s life so enjoyable and meaningful.