Obituary of Paul Williams

     Paul Williams, 61, of Oriskany Falls, NY passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, May 9th, 2024.  Paul was a selfless husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.  His caring heart will be missed by everyone lucky enough to know him. 

     Paul was born in Utica on February 5, 1963, the son of Francis E. and Joan (Wurz) Williams. He was raised in Utica and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in N. Utica. On July 18, 1987, Paul married the love of his life Penny M. Flander, and they were happily married for 37 years. Paul was employed as an HVAC Technician with Potsdam State College in Potsdam, NY, for 35 years, retiring in 2019. He later followed his entrepreneurial dream, becoming co-founder of Xstended Life Baits.

     Among the many memories that will remain of Paul, he will be especially remembered for being an avid fisherman, a gifted cook and for his large, impressive Christmas lights display every winter. Paul will be remembered most as a loving husband, devoted father, and grandfather who dedicated his life to his cherished family. His family and pets were truly the joy of his life. He was a faithful member of Augusta Presbyterian Church in Oriskany Falls.  He especially enjoyed helping out his Amish neighbors and anyone else who needed a hand.

     Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Penny; 3 sons and daughter-in-law Daniel and  Morgan Williams of Potsdam, NY, Matthew Williams of Holland Patent, NY and Zachary Williams and his partner James Merrill of Canton, NY; his adored granddaughter, Fiona Williams; sister and brother-in-law, Teddi Ann and Bern Lynch of AZ; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Lucy Williams of GA, Timothy and Susan Williams of AZ and Stephen and Karen Williams of Canandaigua, NY; grandmother, Ilene Friot of Marcy, NY; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Marie Flander of Marcy, NY and two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Robin Broedel of Rochester, NY and Dawn and Bill Shaflucas of Buffalo, NY as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Joan, and infant twin sisters, Jean and Joan.

     Visitation for family and friends is Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, followed by a funeral service to celebrate Paul’s life at 4:00 p.m. after visitation. Those wishing to donate in Paul’s memory, please consider Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502, as he was an avid animal lover. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.