Edwin McBrier Williams

EDWIN MCBRIER WILLIAMS Edwin ‘Ned’ Williams, of Naples, FL (formerly of Wakefield, Rhode Island) passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2017. The son of the late Charles W. and Geraldine (McBrier) Williams (of Montclair, NJ and Madison , CN), he was born October 11, 1927. Ned attended the Phillips Academy, Andover. After graduation he served in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician stationed in Oahu, Hawaii. Upon completion of his military service he attended both Yale University and the Stevens Institute of Technology. He received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the former, and a Master of Science degree from the latter. He subsequently studied Oceanography at Columbia University and the University of Rhode Island. A passion for boating and the water was a central part of Ned’s life and work. He was involved in the design, engineering and construction of naval and commercial craft (including the Triton, Skate and Skipjack nuclear submarines), powerboats, and both racing and sailing yachts. During this time he raced S boats on Long Island Sound, participated in a Transpac race to Hawaii, and lived for a time aboard a ketch in the Caribbean. After his interest shifted to oceanography, he served as the Antarctic Project Supervisor for the Lamont Geological Observatory and headed the Physical Oceanography Group on the research vessel ELTANIN. He made five cruises to Antarctic waters, collecting and analyzing data with instruments of the group’s design. He and his wife Shirley moved to Naples in 1979 and built and operated Williams Capri Marine for many years. When not traveling they could often be found fishing for their dinner. As a long time member of the Explorers Club and a consummate storyteller, Ned entertained people for hours with tales of his many adventures. He played golf with friends at the Hole-In-The-Wall Club and the Royal Poinciana Golf Club, socialized at the Port Royal Club, and was a member of the Naples Conservancy. A true gentleman and kind soul, he will be missed by many. In addition to Shirley, his love for over 40 years, he is survived by his stepchildren, John Gretzinger and his wife Wendy, Jean Skaistis and her husband Mark, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Jacqueline Gretzinger. At his request, his ashes will be scattered in the waters surrounding Antarctica. A private memorial service will be held in Montclair.