Milton Williams

[Guest]

Sadly, Milton Williams, a firefighter and Commissioner for the Millwood Fire Department, died Tuesday. I took music lessons from him for several years and he was one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I know he will be missed by his family, his friends, his students, the members of the Millwood FD, and many others. At this sad time, my thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Williams and all who mourn for him.

MILTON WILLIAMS, JR. 70, REVERED MUSIC TEACHER

WHO TAUGHT THOUSANDS IN ELMFORD FOR 43 YEARS DIES

New York, NY -- January 17, 2006 -- Milton Augustine Williams, Jr., who was a revered and respected music teacher at Alice E. Grady Elementary School in Elmsford for 43 years, and shaped the music education of literally thousands of Westchester youth and musicians through private lessons, died early Tuesday morning, January 17, 2006, at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York. He was 70.

The cause of death was an acute pancreatic infection, which was discovered just two days prior, while on vacation in the Bahamas with his wife Helen Williams. His death was announced by his daughter, multiple Grammy and Tony Award-nominated singer/actress Vanessa Williams, who was at his bedside with other close family members when he succumbed, including his wife Helen, son and actor Chris Williams (who starred in Dodge Ball and has appeared in numerous commercials and television shows such as Curb Your Enthusiasm), and three of his four grandchildren, Melanie, Jillian and Devin Hervey.

Milton Williams, Jr. was a passionate educator, whose personal teaching methodology of combining discipline with a legendary smile and a kind and gentle spirit established him as local icon in music education. He started teaching in 1960 at Alice E. Grady and also served as Assistant Principal at the school before retiring in 2003. He was a skilled musician who played tenor saxophone at Oyster Bay High School and later in the Army Band, while serving a two-year stint in Seoul, Korea as a specialist 4th Class.  As a music teacher he mastered many instruments, and taught most of the woodwinds including saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, flute, oboe and French horn, as well drums and piano. It’s estimated that Mr. Williams’ taught over 10,000 music students throughout his career.

Throughout his 43 years of teaching, Williams was also an avid supporter of the Arts, performing regularly as a tenor in the Westchester Baroque Choir (from 1960 – 1980), served as President of the Westchester County School Music Association, and was Chairman of several All-County Music Festivals.

In addition to his numerous accomplishments in music, Williams was just as prolific in many community and charitable endeavors. He was a Fire Commissioner and firefighter, for the Millwood Fire Department for eighteen years and was an active officer in the Benevolent Association of the Millwood Fire Company.  In 2003 – 2004, he served as President of the Rotary Club, District 72320 in Elmsford, which he was a member since 2001, and was also a Boy Scouts of America Troop Leader for Troop One in Chappaqua.

Milton Williams, Jr. was born October 10, 1935 in Oyster Bay, Long Island, the third of five children, to Milton A. Williams, Sr. and Iris Williams. He attended St. Dominique’s parochial school until eighth grade, and later transferred to Oyster Bay High School so he could study music. He attended Fredonia College and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education, (1957) was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity and received his Masters Degree from Columbia University (1959).

He married his wife of 45 years Helen (Tinch) August 20, 1960, and moved to Millwood, New York in 1964 with their first child, Vanessa Lynne, who was born in March 1963, and later had a son, Christopher James in November 1967. Helen Williams, also a teacher  for 38 years in Ossining, made them a popular couple as Westchester music educators, but his pride and joy was seeing his two children Vanessa and Chris carve out successful careers in the entertainment business. Williams also pursued his many hobbies vigorously. He was a skilled carpenter and launched his own deck building business, and was an expert electrician, auto mechanic, gardener, and amateur psychologist who warmed every heart he touched and left an indelible mark on his family, friends and community.

Milton Williams, Jr., is survived by his wife Helen Williams; daughter Vanessa L. Williams; son Christopher Williams; siblings, Earl Williams, Millicent Stewart, Imogene Hicks, and four grandchildren, Melanie, Jillian, Devin Hervey, and Sasha Fox.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Milton Williams, Jr. on Sunday, January 22, 2006, at Alexander Hamilton High School, 98 South Goodwin Street in Elmsford, New York at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any donations be made to GIFT OF LIFE, INC., and sent in care of Rotary District 7230, P.O. Box 698, Tarrytown, NY 10591. GIFT OF LIFE, INC. is a non-profit tax-exempt corporation serviced by participating Rotarians and volunteers for the purpose of providing medical assistance to needy children throughout the world. Donations can also be made directly to the Elmsford Rotary District 7230 Scholarship Fund at the same mailing address.

[ex-commish 490]

Sadly, Milton Williams, a firefighter and Commissioner for the Millwood Fire Department, died Tuesday. I took music lessons from him for several years and he was one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I know he will be missed by his family, his friends, his students, the members of the Millwood FD, and many others. At this sad time, my thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Williams and all who mourn for him.

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May he rest in peace.

Andy Mancusi

Chief

Hawthorne FD

[mikeinet 37]

1,000 mourn death of Elmsford educator Augustine Williams Jr.

By DIANA BELLETTIERI

THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: January 23, 2006)

ELMSFORD — Few people have been compared to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Milton Augustine Williams Jr., a beloved Elmsford educator who died Tuesday at the age of 70, is one of them.

"I still use Martin Luther King's teachings, and I'll do the same with what I've learned from Milton Williams," said Pat White, 50, one of Williams' former students. "This man was a giant not only here in Elmsford but throughout Westchester County."

An estimated 1,000 friends, colleagues, parents and students packed Alexander Hamilton High School yesterday to honor Williams and to share stories about the impact he had on their lives.

An hourlong memorial service laced Scripture readings with musical tributes and home videos. The Millwood Fire Company conducted a bagpipe presentation. Refreshments followed.

The ceremony highlighted the many hats Williams wore within the Elmsford community and beyond. He was best known for his 43-year career at Alice E. Grady Elementary School, where he taught music and worked as assistant principal before retiring in 2003.

But he was also highly regarded for his role as a Millwood Fire Department firefighter and fire commissioner.

His other leadership roles included being president of the Westchester County School Music Association, president of a Rotary Club in Elmsford and leader of a Boy Scouts of America troop in Chappaqua.

Helen Williams said her husband's Jan. 17 death was "totally unexpected." An acute pancreatic infection was discovered while he was vacationing in the Bahamas with his wife of 45 years. He died two days later.

Helen Williams said her husband must have been ready to go. In addition to his wife, Williams is survived by a daughter, singer-actress Vanessa Williams; a son, Christopher Williams; a brother; two sisters; and four grandchildren.

"He had completed any tasks he had to do on Earth," Helen Williams said. "Please remember him with a smile."

As people filed out of the service, they recalled Williams' inspirational character and humble spirit. They described him as a "community mentor," always willing to devote time to those in need, especially students.

Martha Lane, a sophomore at Alexander Hamilton High School, said the teacher's death shocked students. Lane said he was encouraging and funny, yet challenging. He was "everything" to the students, she said, and many students cried when they heard of his death.

"My heart just shut down," said Lane, 15, of Elmsford. "I can't even believe it now. But he's really still with us."

[Jared1979 19]

Milton Williams jr will be missed dearly it is sad to lose someone like him who has been a great influence on many people. My condolences go out to the whole Williams family you will be in my prayers.

[firemoose827 324]

Milton Williams jr will be missed dearly it is sad to lose someone like him who has been a great influence on many people.  My condolences go out to the whole Williams family you will be in my prayers.

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My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Milton Williams.