Anthony "Tony" Roger Williams

NORTHBOROUGH - Tony Williams, 71, born January 9, 1954, in Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home in Northborough, MA surrounded by his family on February 9, 2025 after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Tony graduated from Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Connecticut, in 1972 and attended St. Thomas Moore Prep School in Oakdale, Connecticut, before enrolling at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, where he graduated in 1978. That same year, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he earned a high-level security clearance for his position. He was honorably discharged in 1983. 

Tony was married for nearly 30 years to Leslie Ford Williams, and was a loving father to Paul and Gina (spouse Christopher), and stepfather to Lindsay and Jesse (spouse Rebecca). He was a devoted Bampy (grandfather) to Anabelle and Lilah, and a cherished brother to Linda, Barbara Jean, Kathleen, Debbie, Bobby, Peter, and Rock. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Frances, as well as his siblings Betty Ann, Michael, Joey, and Rosemary. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends who became his family. 

Tony was the biggest supporter of all who came in contact with him. His smile was legendary, and though his energy was unsurpassed, he was also an impressive napper who could occasionally be found with his head back against the driver’s seat grabbing a little shuteye before the light turned green. Remarkably, this never resulted in any motor vehicle accidents— just a renewed, refreshed driver. A lover of Rhythm and Blues, especially Motown and the Temptations, Tony was known for dancing the night away. His singing, however...well, let’s just say that was another story. 

Tony’s interests in life were varied and wide-ranging. For 36 years he was a respected high school and college basketball, softball, soccer, and lacrosse official, and served multiple terms as the president of Central MA’s International Association of American Basketball Officials (IAABO). Long before it was cool to do so, Tony ran a highly successful community football pool. This was remarkable for the number of participants each week, and the fact that it was pre-online access - all sheets and tabulations were done by Tony by hand. 

Tony had an encyclopedic knowledge of sports facts and trivia, encompassing many past decades of information covering football, baseball, and basketball. When questioned once by a skeptic, he smiled (that smile!), nodded his head, and said simply, “Be my guest - look it up.” He was right then - he was always right. 

A skilled card player, Tony especially excelled at Pinochle and Pitch (known as Setback in Connecticut). He was an active member of a Pitch League in Hudson for many years, competing until Alzheimer’s made it too difficult for him to continue. Before stepping away, he and his partner won or nearly won the tournaments several times. 

Tony loved to travel. He and Leslie, alone or with the kids, visited beautiful locations around the world. According to Leslie, no one was a better planner. All she ever needed to know was what means of travel they would be using and what kind of clothes she needed to pack. Every other detail was planned down to the minute by Tony. Together they walked the ancient cobblestones of Rome, climbed Diamondhead in Hawaii, traced Leslie’s Irish roots in Ireland, sailed the Caribbean in a catamaran, prowled the Old Town of San Juan, walked the wet streets of London, swam the beautiful waters of the Outer Banks, and visited so many more beautiful places. What a gift. 

Tony spent 26 years as a Project Manager at EMC Corporation, in Franklin, MA. Before that, he worked as a Supply Officer at Digital Equipment Corporation. He was also a member in good standing of the Elks Lodge in Hudson, MA. 

In lieu of flowers you may kindly make donations to Metrowest Hospice Care, 200 Nickerson Road, Suite 110 in Marlboro, MA. The family would like to make special mention of the beautiful care given to Tony by all his Hospice nurses, and Koby, his CNA. They are angels indeed. 

Funeral arrangements are private, but the family would like to welcome his family and friends to a “Celebration of Life and Love” in honor of this remarkable man. The details are as follows: 

Friday, February 14, 2025. 

4-8pm 

Hudson Elks Lodge 

99 Park Street 

Hudson,MA 

All are welcome.

Above all, the lesson that Tony leaves is simple and true to his life:

No matter where you come from or what your circumstances in life are, you must never give up on yourself or your dreams. 

He often said: “Work hard and be kind”. BADA BING!