JOSEPH MASON WILLIAMS JR.

Joseph Mason Williams Jr., 91, of Falmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 19, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Born on November 4, 1932, in Boston, MA son of the late Joseph Mason Williams, Sr. and Mary Elinor (Morrison) Williams.

After graduating from Newton High School, Joseph served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Joseph earned a degree in economics at Boston College, where he also was on the track team, played piccolo in the band and orchestra and was a photographer and editor of the student yearbook and newspaper. A devoted Catholic, Joseph then traveled to Jamaica to teach schoolchildren as a lay missionary and teacher where he met his future wife, Lily (Yap) Williams. After moving to the United States, they raised six boys together and remained happily married for 65 years until his death. Joseph’s life was defined by a spirit of service. He dedicated three decades to a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Massachusetts Parole Board, where he was known throughout the state for his keen memory, empathy for the parolees under his care, and a singular sense of duty. In his retirement, he took up the role of beloved school bus driver in Camas, Washington, and later in Falmouth, bringing joy and kindness to schoolchildren. Throughout his busy life, he always found a way to donate time to others, first as Cub Scout Den Leader in Concord, and later as a volunteer at the Falmouth Library and with Meals on Wheels. A ferocious reader, Joseph was always surrounded by books. He had a special fondness for science fiction and fantasy, but also indulged in military and political history. Also, a skilled photographer, Joseph enjoyed 35mm cameras and assembled a home darkroom for his photographic artistry. A quintessential Bostonian, Joseph was a dedicated fan of the Bruins, Patriots and Red Sox. Joseph will be remembered for his hard work, dedication to family, public service, kindness, humor, and selflessness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife Lily, brother Philip, sons Joseph III, Michael, David, Paul, Robert, and John, and ten loving grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 475 Main St., Falmouth, MA on Thursday, February 29 from 4PM-7PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, 511 Main St., Falmouth on Friday, March 1 at 9:30AM. Burial will follow at the MA National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.