Richard E. Williams' Obituary
Rick was born in Meadow Brook, PA on December 10, 1962, and raised in Maple Glenn, PA. He was the second oldest of six brothers and two sisters. Coming from a large family there was much love and shenanigans in the home and his two best friends, Bob Anderson and Mike Melair added to the fun and chaos. Rick loved spending his summers with his family at Stone Harbor, NJ in their summer beach house where he enjoyed his time there by playing on the All-Star baseball team. Later, he graduated from La Salle High School and promptly attended the renowned Villanova University receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting. His career then brought him to Dallas, TX in February of the early 90’s where he would tell the story of marveling at the beautiful blue Texas sky and knew this was his new home. Several years later, he would meet the love of his life, Michelle. They both recalled that on the third date they knew they'd marry and planned to spend the rest of their lives together.
Rick and Michelle started their family when Gabriele (Gabby) was born in 1998 and Alexander (Alex) to follow in 2004. They raised their family in Richardson, Texas and enjoyed all the neighborhood surroundings like taking the kids to Breckenridge Park, going on family bike rides or early morning walks. He loved patio dining at Nico’s Tex-Mex or ordering Nikki’s Italian pizza every week. Rick loved his home life where he listened to Jimmy Buffet while getting a tan by their pool or watching old movies from his living room recliner with the family. They spent a lot of time with Michelle’s family: Maria, his mother-in-law and Damian as well as Stephanie, Richard, Junior, Jessica, and Sean. He spoiled his nieces, Olivia and Ruby, every chance he got. A highlight of his life and what brought him so much joy were his pets. Poncho, his big fat black cat, Princessa, his sweet little black chihuahua, and most recently, his baby Pinny Pin, a sassy chihuahua who could never stop giving kisses to her daddy.
Rick used his accounting degree to work for many different operations throughout his career, but his best and final was at Dean Technology where he was the Account Controller. He enjoyed and respected his boss, Craig Dean, and other colleagues during his time there. At his job, they even surprised him with various gifts in his office and he always loved conversating with everyone.
Rick’s personality can be described as never having met a stranger. He was loved and admired by many. Whenever he would go on his morning walks in the neighborhood, he would always smile and say hello to whomever he passed. He had an easy-going personality but also was a planner of sorts. With his love of numbers and attention to detail, he was a great head of household to Michelle, Gabby, and Alex.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Michelle (Hernandez), and his children, Gabby and Alex, his father, Roy V. Williams, Jr., and his siblings and their spouses: Roy V., III and Erin Williams, Lisa A. and Timothy Quinn, Christopher D. and Deanna Williams, Lori J. and James Rechenberg, Brian K. Williams, and Randy and Rebecca Williams. He admired his 16 nieces and nephews on his side of the family and was very proud of each of them.
Rick was preserving, faithful and brave in so many facets of his life, especially battling cancer over the last five ½ years. Though there were ups and downs in this journey, he had good friends and close family pouring into his life and praying for him, especially people like Rusty Simpon, who encouraged him and lifted him up in so many courageous and powerful ways. Rick was an inspiration to so many throughout this difficult time in his life. Gabby and Alex would testify that he was the best Dad a child could ask for and was a kid-at-heart. As a husband, he was Michelle’s best friend and loved her to the very end. He passed peacefully and knew he was ready to meet his Maker.
A church service will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023, followed by a luncheon. Burial is private at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, TX. In lieu of flowers, and if you feel led, please make donations to St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rick’s honor.
We know this is not goodbye, this is a thank you. Thank you, Rick, for coming into our lives and giving us joy, thank you for loving us well and receiving our love in return. Thank you for memories we will cherish forever.
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