Daniel Williams III

Daniel Williams, III (“Danny,” “Dan-o” and “Willyboy” to various friends and family) passed away on January 31, 2023. He was born on March 24, 1951 in Akron, Ohio and graduated from Garfield High School in 1969. He immediately enlisted in the Airforce, completing his basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, after which he was sent to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA to learn Mandarin Chinese. Afterward, he served as an interpreter in the Philippines, then returned to the U.S. where he worked for the National Security Agency in Washington, DC.

For Dan, his time in the service was a pivotal period in his life, setting him on a college pathway. He returned to the Akron area and graduated from Akron University with a degree in education. He had a long and varied career. He first taught 5th grade at Valley View Elementary School, then taught math at Central Middle School before getting a master’s degree in school administration and becoming principal of Overlook Elementary School and Isham Elementary School, all in Wadsworth, OH. He also was principal of Whitney Elementary School in Strongsville, OH, where is also served as president of the Strongsville Kiwanis. Dan retired as principal of Worthington Estates Elementary School in Worthington, OH in 2008. After he and his wife Patti both retired, they settled in the Akron area, eventually splitting their time between Akron and Sarasota, Florida. For the past 12 years Dan battled with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia which he faced with resiliency and grace.

Dan loved learning about Apple computers and phones. He was always up for an excursion or adventure. He enjoyed being active outdoors by jogging, walking, cycling, and hiking. He hiked 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail and climbed Mt. Washington. He cruised frequently and enjoyed special trips with Patti to Paris, Kauai, Alaska, the Florida Keys, Montreal, Quebec, the Outer Banks, Folly Beach, San Francisco, Manhattan, Sonoma, Texas, and the island of St. John.

Dan was a cherished husband, brother, father and grandfather. His support and love for his sons, as well as the great pride he took from their successes, never wavered. Dan was preceded in death by his mother (Jacqueline Williams) and father (Daniel Williams, Jr.) Left to keep his memory alive are his wife, (Patti Brown Williams); sister (Karen Gast) of Cuyahoga Falls; sons Joshua (Kimberly) of Aurora, OH, Nicholas of Chicago, and Benjamin (Jessica) of Noblesville, Indiana; grandchildren Jack, Madaline, Emery and Oliver; niece Julie (Joel) Morgan of Akron, aunt (Patty Williams) of Cookeville, TN, and special cousin Cathy (Kasey) Boga of Lorton, VA. Dan was also a valued and trusted friend to many, most especially Mark Buie, Rob Yannaccone, Dale Marino, Cynthia Westover, Dan Girard, and Kathy Flaherty.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate staff at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dan’s memory to an area he enjoyed so much, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 15610 Vaughn Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141.

Friends and family may come to call on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 West Market Street, Akron. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1 p.m.