Richard A. Williams

Richard A. Williams 1932 ~ 2009   Richard Antonio Williams, 76, of Deerfield Beach, FL, formerly of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 in the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke.  Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Antonio and Genevieve (Soukey) Williams.  Richard was a graduate of SpringfieldTrade School. He was employed as a bulldozer operator for Archie Construction and had also worked for Country Club Soda.  He was an Army veteran of the Korean War serving as a medic in the Army medical facilities in Hawaii. He married Jeannette A. (Norton) in 1955 and shared (54) wonderful years together.  Richard joined the Springfield Fire Department in 1964 and served (28) years retiring in 1991. He worked Ladder Truck, Rescue Squad Ambulance, Chief Driver and Dispatcher at the Springfield Alarm Bureau. He was a member of the Springfield Police and Firefighters Association and the Disabled American Veterans, Springfield Chapter #68.  Dick loved his grandchildren, his pool, playing golf, riding his motorcycle and the Floridasunshine.  He leaves his wife, Jeannette A. (Norton) Williams; a son, James Williams and his wife Beverly of Springfield; (2) daughters, Toni A, Keefe and her husband William and Joyce E. Barbieri all of Springfield; five grandchildren; Patrick, Erin and Brian Keefe and Michael and Daniel Barbieri; a sister, Rena Pinder of Westfield; a sister-in-law, Carol M. Szaban of Granby and several nieces and nephews.  A special note of thanks to A Team 1 North caregivers and to all the staff at the Soldiers' Home for their kindness and understanding.  Words cannot express our appreciation for all of you. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Tylunas Funeral Home 159 Broadway, Chicopee at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Chicopee.  Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 20, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Fire Department Donation Account 605 Worthington Street, Springfield, MA  01105.  For Guest Book and Directions: www.tylunasfuneralhome.com