George P. Williams
George Paul Williams, looking forward to a new pace of life after starting home treatments with Vitality Dialysis, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by his daughters and loving wife of 44 years.
Beloved husband of Cyndi Williams (nee Rickman); devoted dad of Rebecca (Munib) Novkinic, Rachel (Sam) Kanan, Kristofer (Nicole) Williams; cherished “Poppie” of Aida, Senad & Ajdin Novkinic, Maxwell Kanan, and Benjamin, Mackenzie & Henry Williams. Dear brother in law of Michelle (David) Johnson. A 2nd Dad, Fond Uncle, Cousin George and Friend to many.
Long-time parishioner of St. Bernadette Parish, currently St. Gianna Parish. Committed walker at the “Life is better on this side of the fence” Yukich fields (most always with his faithful companion, Finn), and devoted friend of the “Saturday Morning Live” at St. Margaret’s.
Born in Pennsylvania, he found his way to Chicago by way of the Divine Word Missionaries as he studied to be a priest. He took a new direction as a high school English teacher & met Cyndi through the Illinois Education Assn. They married in 1980 and enjoyed the whirlwind life with three children and many more in “Their Village.” An English professor by trade and well known for his Roseangela’s side hustle by night, he traveled the globe alongside his wife and dear friends, with a healthy thirst for knowledge and new experience.
He was a modern day “Renaissance Man,” who lived life on his own terms, bestowing his sharp sense of humor and genuine interest in those he encountered. An avid reader, nature enthusiast, and music lover, his passions only expanded as he sailed through his golden years......be it puzzles, tackling home improvements, or the latest.....rock tumbling. He didn’t just have a good life as he recounted when learning of his failing kidneys a few months back which led him to home dialysis in order to plot a new journey forward, he had an amazingly full and enviable life, for which we all aspire.
Visitation Sunday, August 24, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th Street, Oak Lawn.
Funeral Monday, August 25, 11:00 a.m. to St. Gianna (formerly Queen of Martyrs-St. Bernadette Church) for 12:00 noon Mass.
Internment private.
Memorials to Divine Word Missionaries, P.O. Box 6098, Techny, IL 60082 or National Park Foundation, 1500 K St. Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005 or WFMT Radio Station, George’s favorite charities.