Henry Charles Williams Jr.

74 of East Orange, NJ died peacefully on Wednesday February 12, 2025 at Clara Maass Medical Center. He was born August 27, 1950, in Hartford, CT to the late Henry C. Williams Sr. and Marie (Brown) Williams. Henry enjoyed growing up in Hartford. He graduated from Hartford High School (‘68) and played football in High School. He continued his education at Manchester Community College (‘70) with an Associate degree and pursued data processing school at Aetna Insurance. His persistence helped him grow in his professional life as a computer programmer and gradually became a project leader for Aetna and The Hartford Insurance companies. Ultimately, he began his own business as an independent consultant to various insurance, pharmaceutical, and communication companies. Henry was a member of the Black Data Programmers Association (BDPA) of New Jersey and contributed to the organization’s newsletter as an Editor. He also maintained his love for the game of football. Whether it was the annual Thanksgiving Day game at Dillon Stadium at the “Weaver vs HPHS” game or playing with his friends, he always looked forward to the competition and tailgating with his friends. He also enjoyed watching his Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl twice.

Henry was also known as the “Patriarch” of the family and made sure others knew it. Family time was very important to him and he made sure to be present at family gatherings in CT, visit with his brother, be present in his two daughters’ lives, and the unforgettable moments in his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s lives. He was also raised in a religious household, and he knew what it meant to be a child of God. His way of staying connected to God was by listening to gospel music and occasionally reading his Bible.

Henry leaves behind his daughter, Donnamarie Brown of Rocky Hill, CT; a granddaughter Barbara L. Williams-Vazquez of Somerville, AL; great grandchildren: Marcus X. Scarlett of West Haven, CT, Jordan D. Vazquez, and Nailah L. Vazquez; a brother Lawrence L. Williams of Southbury, CT; sisters Alice Williams-Goldson (Michael) of Hartford, CT, Rosemarie Williams of Bloomfield, CT, Cynthia Ferguson of East Hartford, CT along with nephews, Denzel and Joshua Closs; cousin Jessie Willis of Bloomfield, and many other family and friends. Henry was predeceased by his parents Henry Sr. and Marie Williams, brother Eddie Miller, grandson Kendale A. Fair, and recently his daughter Shanda Delores Williams from Montpelier, Vermont.

A combined Celebration of Life service will be held on March 29, 2025, at 1 pm at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 130 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to help lay both family members to rest together in Connecticut. (https://www.gofundme.com/f/rest-sister-sankofa-with-her-ancestors)