Richard Scott Williams, 79, of Ashford, Connecticut, husband of Gloria (Gravel) Williams, passed away Friday June 19, 2026 in his home after a long period of declining health. He was the son of the late Ernest “Bud” and Arlene Williams.
Born on April 14, 1947 in Blue Hill, Maine, Richard moved from Maine to Southborough, Massachusetts, where he graduated high school. Richard valued education, attaining his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Richard worked for several companies in Ohio and Virginia before settling down in Connecticut, where he worked for United Technologies Corporation in several divisions, including one involved with the booster rockets for the Space Shuttle. After UTC, Richard worked for Hartford Steam Boiler until his retirement in 2007.
Richard loved working with his hands, whether it was in his woodworking shop, on one of the many older sportscars in his garage, or in the yard gardening. Richard also had a life-long love of music, singing and playing the piano for himself and anyone who would listen. Later in life Richard and Gloria became parishioners of Eastford Baptist Church, finding comfort and community with the church. Richard also enjoyed being active in local politics, serving on several Ashford boards, commissions and other affiliated organizations.
Besides his wife Gloria, Richard is survived by his son Christian and wife Nahla; his son Andrew and wife Kiersten; his daughter Amanda and husband Michael; his step-daughter Christine Holyst and husband Ralph; his step-son Curtis Berry and wife Tammy; his step-daughter Jennifer D’Eugenio and husband Jason; eleven grandchildren and step-grandchildren; his sister Susan Wright and husband Ted, and their children Bethany and David; and numerous cousins, second-cousins, aunts and uncles. Richard was preceded in death by his late wife Marilyn (Bartlett) Williams.
A Christian Memorial Service will be held on September 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastford Baptist Church, at 133 Union Rd, Eastford, CT. A luncheon will follow immediately thereafter.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the Eastford Baptist Church at 133 Union Rd, Eastford, CT 06242. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.adamscremationct.com
(Photo and Obituary via Adams Cremation)
