Robert ‘‘Bob’’ James Williams

Bob was born on Nov. 1, 1933, the son of Stephen and Dolores Wilemski.

He is predeceased by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Elaine Williams; his infant sister, Linda Wilemski; and his beloved son, Steve (Stevie) Stanley Williams.

Bob was married to the love of his life, Delphine (Pawlak) Williams for 64 years and had four children: Robert John (Carmen) Williams, Michael (Mary) Williams, Nancy (Al) Baker and Steve Stanley.

Bob was a long time resident of Dunkirk, receiving his education in Dunkirk and attending the Dunkirk Industrial High School. He served in the U. S. Air Force for four years. Bob was a hard worker and sometimes worked three jobs to provide for his family. He was immensely proud of his service as a firefighter for the City of Dunkirk, serving for 34 years and retiring in 1995. Despite his long work hours he always made time to play with his three kids. It was not unusual for there to be a rowdy game of baseball or running bases in his family’s backyard on Pine Street in Dunkirk.

After retirement, Bob enjoyed camping with Delphine and their camping buddies: Henry and Loretta Bak (deceased) and Ernie (deceased) and Betty Erick. Some of his pastimes included playing cards, fishing, following the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres, traveling and simply joking around.

Bob was blessed with many grandchildren who he was extremely proud of; Laurie (Adam) Dolce, Christy (Lorenzo) Guzman, Bernadette Cain, Danny Cain, Michael Williams Jr, Keri (William) Genther, Elijah Williams, Rebecca (Jason) Budde, Sarah (Glen) Hurrell, Robert Lawrie Jr, Jessie Lawrie and Alysha Baker. His great-grandchildren added a twinkle to his eye even when Alzheimer’s stole most of his pleasure. Bob’s beloved great-grandchildren are Garrett and Zachary Dolce, Jamal Anthony Martinez, Lola and Michael Williams III, Zachariah, Lorelei and Madeline Smith, Grace and Faith Cicelske, Chloe Hurrell and Del Rose Shomper.

Bob also has many special nieces and nephews, especially Sandy Erick who was his card playing partner for many, many years and who was very helpful to him and Delphine. And Annie Haase, whose many cards and well wishes brightened both Bob and Delphine’s days throughout a difficult time.

Bob’s final selfless act among many throughout his life was donating his body to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program. A celebration of life will take place at a future date.

Donations can be made in Bob’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association or the American Cancer society.