WestConn Professor Howard C. Williams, 88, Passed Away

DANBURY, CT — Howard C. Williams, Professor Emeritus at Western Connecticut State University, died August 12, 2016 at the age of 88. He was a resident at Ridgefield Crossings Assisted Living and formerly of New Milford and Danbury.

Howard was born May 7, 1928 in Scranton, PA to Howard and Jeannette (Walker) Williams. Interested in music from an early age, he was a middle school student when he began studying trombone from the renowned trombone player Dr. Donald S. Reinhardt, first trombone with the Philadelphia Orchestra in Philadelphia, PA. He became one of the youngest players in the Scranton Symphony Orchestra. After graduation, he attended Mansfield State Teachers College (now Mansfield University) in PA, receiving a B.S. degree in music education. Afterwards, he enlisted in the Air Force for four years during the Korean Conflict, serving in Air Force bands stationed in Detroit, MI and Long Island, NY. After being discharged, he taught in public schools in Wilkes-Barre and Mountain Top, Pa.

He was allowed a leave of absence from teaching to tour in Europe with the Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Ray McKinley, drummer in the orchestra, following the death of Glenn Miller in WW2. This tour took them to numerous countries, many behind the Iron Curtain, one of the first Bands to be allowed this opportunity. Later on, he also toured with the Ralph Flanagan Band. While teaching in Mountain Top, Howard attended Ithaca College over several summers and received a Masters degree in music education. During this time, he played with the Lee Vincent Band in Wilkes-Barre for many years. He also conducted the Concordia Society and Apollo Club choral groups.

In 1965, Howard accepted a position in Danbury, CT at Danbury State Teacher’s College, now Western Ct. State University, as a Music Professor where he taught for 23 years. A proud achievement was participating in the beginning of the Jazz studies program. He attended Columbia University in NY to achieve a Masters degree in 1975. Howard enjoyed playing with local musicians with both the Al Gentile and Sonny Carroll Orchestras.

Upon retirement, he shared his passion for music speaking to Senior groups in the area.
Howard was a member of the First Congregational Church in Danbury. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years.

Howard is survived by his wife, Ruth, of New Milford; daughter, Jill (Michael) Funderburke of Charlotte, NC, and son, Keith, of New Milford.

At Howard’s request, no services will be held. In keeping with his love of music, the next time you hear your favorite tune or medley, think of him and smile.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at https://donatenow.heart.org/
OR:
Western Connecticut State University as follows:
Make check payable to: WCSU FOUNDATION On the memo line write: Dept. of Music in Memory of Howard Williams 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810
OR:
https://alumni.wcsu.edu/make-a...

Obituary and photo courtesy of Cornell Funeral Home