Edward Joseph Williams

NEWPORT, RI - Edward Joseph Williams, 84, of 2 Bedlow Avenue, Newport, RI, died Thursday, February 2, 2006, at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. He was the husband of Mary E. Laranjo Williams. Born in Newport, RI, on April 16, 1921, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Johanna Shea Williams. Mr. Williams was a parishoioner of Jesus Saviour Church. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1938 to 1941, and in the United States Army from 1942 to 1943. Mr. Williams and his wife Mary owned and operated Eds Variety on Broadway from 1955 to 1971. He was employed by the City of Newport working at the Water Department and at Newport City Hall as the Housing and Zoning Inspector. He retired in 1991 after 25 years. Mr. Williams was a former member of the Democratic State Committee from the 98th Representive District, past president of the City Employees Union Local 911 Council 94 AFSCME, a former member of the Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club and the board of governors. He is the last surviving founder of the original nine founders of the St. Patricks Day Parade Committee which was founded 50 years ago. Mr. Williams is a member of the Ancient Order of Hiberinans Dennis E. Collins Division, the Newport Irish Heritage Association and the Edward King Senior Center and AARP Newport County Chapter 207, and a life member of the Museum of Newport Irish History. Besides his wife of 61 years, he is survived by his son Edward J. Williams Jr. and his wife Carmen of Weston, FL, and his grandchildren Emily Williams, Amelia Williams and Hayden Williams all of Sonora, KY. He was the father of the late JoAnn Williams and the brother of the late Irene William Apercino. His funeral will be held on Monday, February 6, 2006, at 9:00AM from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00AM in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway And Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2006, from 4-7pm in the Memorial Funeral Home.