Dean W. Williams

Dean Weeden Williams 88, of Willimantic, died on September 22, 2022 at Hartford Hospital. He was the loving and devoted companion for 36 years of Shirley Mustard, who called him Wills. The son of A. Dean Williams and Madeleine Weeden Williams, Dean was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he was delivered by his grandfather Dr. Augustus Weeden on January 2, 1934. He had an idyllic childhood in an 18th century home on an unpaved road adjacent to the Patchaug State Forest in Plainfield.

He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Biology. After studying at Stanford University, Dean returned East where he earned a Master’s Degree in Microbiology at UMass Boston. He then became a consulting technician for Mitre Corporation and Harbridge House in Boston.

A true Renaissance man, Dean had many talents. Among them are artist; author, having published 3 books and articles in varied periodicals; illustrator; gem cutter and jewelry maker; antique dealer; builder and remodeler of homes, including his own; accomplished all-around handyman.

Dean was a voracious reader, downhill and cross-country skier, snowmobiler, jogger, sailor, kayaker, and car and motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed target shooting, winter camping and fishing with his kids, music, and a good old-fashioned boy-meets-girl musical, especially the performances at Goodspeed Opera House.  Friends enjoyed his sense of humor and were always impressed by his ability to quote long passages, many in dialect, from his favorite movies and from the long narrative poem “Albert & the Lion”.

Dean was a longtime bridge player and crossword devotee. As a frustrated guitar and piano student, in another life he hoped to be a pianist. He remained proud of having played football on the Plainfield High team that won the 1951 small school state championship, a first for the school.

Left to mourn are daughter Nicole Williams R.N., son Dr. Todd Williams and grandchildren Zachary, Aaron, and Leah, as well as three great-grandchildren. He will also be lovingly missed by his second family, Craig, Pam Evan, Bryson Mustard and Darcy and Claire Compton.

He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Allen and Lee, and many canine pals, including the most recent, his beloved Shelby.

Celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT from 4PM-6PM, masks suggested. Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy, The Sierra Club, the ASPCA, or a charity of your choosing.

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