Obituary of Edward C. Williams

Mr. Edward C. Williams, of Medina, died on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Orleans Community Health Medina Memorial Hospital following a long illness. Mr. Williams, born Edward C. Szczechowiak, was born at home on the Hoffman Road, Shelby Basin, April 1, 1925, a son of the late Joseph W. and Tekla (Szymanek) Szczechowiak. He worked for Bewley and H.J. Heinz Company Canning Factories before entering the US Army in 1943. He served with the 289th Engineer Combat Battalion in the Rhineland. Following his discharge, he returned to Medina and on May 28, 1956, he was married to the former Katherine M. Bracey at All Saints RC Church in Buffalo by the Rev. Henry B. Shaw. He was employed by several service stations including Jacob Callara and Glenn Neal. He owned and operated his own station, Ed Williams Service Station, beginning in the early 1950’s. He also worked for Frank J. Balcerak Construction Company, was a car salesman for Begole Chevrolet, was an interior decorator working for Guy Spada, was head of Buildings and Grounds at St. Mary’s R.C. Church and Cemetery from 1979-1989 and worked for the Thibault, Houseman and Cooper Funeral Homes. Mr. Williams was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Sacred Heart Club, Butts-Clark Post #204, American Legion, and a former parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus RC Church and St. Mary’s Church in Gasport. The Most Rev. Edward D. Head, Bishop of Buffalo bestowed the St. Joseph the Worker Award by the Diocese of Buffalo in 1983. Ed enjoyed attending many reunions of the 289th Engineer Combat Battalion. Survivors include his son, Timothy John Williams; a sister, Theresa Menzel of Middleport; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Szczechowiak of Medina; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Katherine, on March 13, 1985; his parents, Joseph and Tekla; brothers, Henry, Walter and Joseph Szczechowiak; sisters, Martha Pinkowski, Victoria Grabowski, Mary Peters and Helen Dubai; his mother and father-in-law, George and Margaret Bracey. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Friends are invited to attend his graveside committal service on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 11AM at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The Rev. Daniel J. Fawls will officiate. Military honors will be accorded at graveside by members of Butts-Clark Post #204, American Legion and Lincoln Post #1483, VFW Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Parish or Butts-Clark Post #204, American Legion.