William M. Williamsen

William M. Williamsen, loving husband to Florence Sajecki, devoted father to Geraldine, Gerard, and Stephen, and beloved grandfather of Liam, Donovan, Maeve, Kayley, Colleen, Stephen, Lucy, Nicholas, Jillian, Gabrielle and Danielle, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2022. He was born to Martin and Mildred Williamsen on August 3, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. He met Florence through his good friend, her brother Tommy. Bill began his life with Florence on March 31, 1951. Shortly after they were married, he was called to serve in the U.S. army, where he served for two years during the Korean War, until he was honorably discharged. They longed to build a family but for the ten years before they were able, they cared for numerous foster children until God gifted them with their three children, Geraldine, Gerard and Stephen. Bill and Florence were always an extremely faithful couple. Bill demonstrated this faithfulness by deciding to become a permanent deacon over 40 years ago. During his many years as a deacon, he served at St. Saviour’s Parish, Church of the Virgin Mary and Methodist Hospital, and was active in visiting many homebound parishioners to administer the sacrament of the Eucharist. Bill was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving the rank of Fourth Degree. He was also a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. More recently, when he and Florence were unable to go to mass independently, they decided to become parishioners of Holy Name of Jesus Church where his daughter and her family were active members. Bill was known for his love of animals, always needing to have a menagerie of pets, from dogs to birds to turtles. He was a faithful, loving, and kind man who has touched the lives of so many people over the years. He will be truly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A visitation for William will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at M.J. Smith Sons, 255 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William's memory may be made to St Judes Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate; and The Brown Scapula: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mjsmithsonsfuneralhome.com for the Williamsen family.