Robert M. Williams

Ilion - Robert M. Williams, 87, of Ilion, passed away on Monday morning, October 6, 2009. Robert was born, grew up, and spent his 87 years living in Ilion. He was a decorated Army veteran of World War II. In 1945, he was a Prisoner of War in Germany. He received the Bronze Star. He returned home to his family and career at the Remington Arms in Ilion. For 42 years, Robert perfected his craft as a master toolmaker. In 1947, he married his sweetheart Sophie Marie Groch of Frankfort, N.Y. They built their home in 1951, around the corner from Roberts childhood home on River Drive in Ilion. In 1957, their son, Robert Owen, was born. Together, Robert and Sophie spent 62 years of marriage together with never a day apart. Robert was a Walking Man. As a boy, he had an extensive paper route that weaved through Ilion. As a soldier, he walked two hundred miles from a POW camp to rejoin the Allied Forces. He walked to work every day of his 42 years at the Remington Arms, and cherished his walks through Russell Park in Ilion and the Adirondack Mountains with his wife, Sophie. In later life, he never slowed down, never used a cane, and men half his age could barely keep up with him. Robert loved Americas railroads, especially the New York Central Line. He always lamented the demise of the trolley and passenger rail service. His favorite season was fall and the beautiful leaves of his Maple trees. He is survived by his wife, Sophie Groch Williams of Ilion; a son, Robert O. Williams; daughterin-law, Melinda M. Williams; and his beloved grandson, Gregory R. Williams of Downingtown, PA. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Swizenski of Marcy, NY, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Groch of Chester, PA. He has been predeceased by his brothers, Edward Williams and William Williams. Private services will be held in Frankfort. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., Frankfort.