LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of John R. Williams, Amity-
ville Schools Superintendent, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, John R. Williams of Scranton, Pennsylvania, died on Tuesday,
February 4, 2014, at the age of 68; and
WHEREAS, Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on October 15, 1945, John R.
Williams was the son of the late Albert M. and Elizabeth Wallace
Williams; and
WHEREAS, A 1963 graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, John R.
Williams earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the
University of Scranton before obtaining his Education degree from Lehigh
University; and
WHEREAS, John R. Williams began his illustrious career of 37 years in
the Scranton School District as a teacher at James Lowell Elementary
School; after becoming House Captain at West Scranton Intermediate
School, he served as Principal of James Monroe, John Whittier and George
Bancroft schools; furthermore, after working as the Director of Elemen-
tary Education in the Scranton School District, he was ultimately
appointed Superintendent; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his retirement, John R. Williams served as Super-
intendent of both the Sewanhaka Central High School District, and the
Amityville School District, both on Long Island; and
WHEREAS, As Amityville Schools Superintendent, John R. Williams's
leadership helped guide all of Amityville's schools off the state's
"need improvement" lists; and
WHEREAS, John R. Williams distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, John R. Williams was a member of St.
Paul's Catholic Church in Scranton, as well as countless committees,
civic organizations and clubs; he also took great pride as a member of
the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, where he had previously served
as President; and
WHEREAS, John R. Williams's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by two brothers, Keith Williams and David
Williams, John R. Williams is survived by his loving wife of 44 years,
Dr. Rita Cusick Williams, and his son, John R. (Sherry) Williams, Jr.;
two brothers, C. Randolph Williams and Andrew (Catherine) Williams; and
one granddaughter, Isabella Fanucci; as well as several nieces and neph-
ews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John R. Williams leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John R. Williams, Amityville Schools Superintendent,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John R. Williams.