Francis Williams

Williams, Francis Eugene "Gene"Francis Eugene Williams died peacefully at home on Tuesday evening, August 18th, 2015 at the age of 95. He was born in Washington, DC, on July 9, 1920.

He lived most of his life in Washington, DC and Suitland, Maryland. Known to everyone as "Gene," he was married to Beatrice Kaplan Williams for almost 68 years.Gene worked for the Washington, DC, government for more than 30 years during which he was in charge of the maintenance and repair of the city's two-way radios and radio-controlled traffic light system. He was smart, quick to smile, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was always mild mannered and fair. He could fix anything mechanical or electrical and loved playing games and solving puzzles of all sorts. In October 2010, Gene and Bea moved to the Ithaca, NY home of their daughter Sally. They joined a gym, ate out at many local restaurants, made new friends, and truly enjoyed upstate New York, even the snowy winters.

Bea passed away in May of 2012. Gene will be remembered by his children: David, Mike and his wife, Margaret, of Arlington, VA, Judy Mighell and her husband, Mallory, of District Heights, MD, and Sally Maragni of Ithaca, NY; his grandchildren: Heidi Janss and her husband, Pete, of Wheaton, IL, Melinda of Laguna Beach, CA, Timothy Maragni, Jonathan Maragni and his wife, Elana, of Ithaca, NY; his three beautiful great-granddaughters: Elle, Jill, and Darby Janss of Wheaton, IL; and his former in-laws: Donna Lewis of Ashton, VA and Donald Maragni of Danby, NY, who continue to be part of his family. There are many dear nephews and nieces, as well.

In the future, a memorial service will be held for Gene and Bea in or near Atlantic City, New Jersey, where the couple honeymooned 71 years ago. Donations to Hospicecare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, in lieu of flowers. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.