Obituaries

Dr. John R. Williams, age 68, the former Superintendent of the Scranton School District, died Tuesday morning after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Rita Cusick. Wed on June 21, 1969, the couple celebrated 44 years of marriage together.
Born in Scranton, on October 15, 1945, he was the son of the late Albert M. and Elizabeth (Betty) Wallace Williams. A 1963 graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, he earned both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Scranton before obtaining his Ed.D. from Lehigh University. He began a distinguished career of 37 years in the Scranton School District as a teacher at Lowell Elementary. After becoming Vice Principal of Scranton Intermediate School, he served as Principal of James Monroe, Whittier, and Bancroft Schools. After working as the Director of Elementary Education in the Scranton School District, he was ultimately appointed Superintendent.
Most recently, John served as Superintendent of both the Sewanhaka Central High School District and also the Amityville School District.
Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Scranton. A member of countless committees, civic organizations and clubs throughout his life, he took great pride as a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee where he had previously served as President. Very athletic, John was an avid runner. A beloved husband, father, brother, relative and friend, he will be forever missed by all of those who’ve loved him dearly.
He is also survived by his adoring son, Atty. John R. Williams, Jr., and wife Sherry Nealon-Williams of Scranton; brothers, C. Randolph Williams and Andrew Williams and wife Catherine, all of Scranton; a granddaughter, Isabella Fanucci; and nieces and nephews.
Brothers, Keith and David Williams, have also preceded him in death.
His family would like to offer their deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for the tremendous care given to John throughout his illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday at 9:30AM at St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Avenue in Scranton, to be celebrated by Msgr. William J. Feldcamp, Pastor. Those wishing to attend the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.
Entombment will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday from 4-7:00PM at the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. A prayer service will begin at 3:45PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John R. Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of the Penn East Federal Credit Union, 720 Davis Street, Scranton, PA, 18505.