Lawrence Walsh Williams Dies at 72

Lawrence Walsh Williams Dies at 72

Lawrence Walsh Williams, 72, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. He was the devoted husband of Sandra (Reis) Williams for 49 years, and loving father of Courtenay E. Williams (and Kai Lee) of Middletown, New York; Grant L. Williams (and Alejandra Hernandez) of Los Angeles, California; and Amy K. Williams, MD, (and Adam Obaza) of Long Beach, California.

He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on May 1, 1949 to the late Guy and Helen (Sullivan) Williams. When Larry was a teenager, he found his passion in the sport of football and was awarded an athletic scholarship to the University of Rhode Island, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He was a member of Phi Mu Delta fraternity, and his Brothers remember him as a down-to-earth man with a gracious and gentle nature.

During his time at URI, he was an assistant coach after an injury cut his playing career short. His work as a coach continued at the Albie Booth Memorial Boys Club in New Haven, Connecticut, where he founded a boxing program for local youths. He believed athletics and discipline were a gateway to a better life, and many young men benefited from his wisdom.

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Larry also ran his own construction company with his wife Sandra, building custom swimming pools and water features. As a member of the Connecticut Spa & Pool Association, he contributed to the construction of the swimming pool at Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut. His specialty was constructing unique swimming environments that worked in harmony with their surrounding natural settings.

But he never lost his love for athletics, in particular, football and strength training. Following his career in pool construction, Larry worked as a volunteer assistant football and strength coach at Coral Gables High School, Christopher Columbus High School, and Florida International University for 10 years. He also was the proud father of three accomplished athletes.

In his leisure time, Larry enjoyed working out and riding motorcycles. He practiced cross-training before it became trendy. His motorcycle collection over the years included a Triumph TR6R, a Harley Sportster, and a BMW R1200C, and he rode as often as he could. We hope that he is now riding along eternal and smooth roads, enjoying boundless beauty and freedom.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the following: HopeHealth Hospice (www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/donate-to-hopehealth-hospice-palliative-care/); Service Dog Project, Inc. (www.servicedogproject.org); or Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org).

A memorial service will be held later this spring, and details will be forthcoming.