Fr. Bruce (Aquinas) Williams, O.P. - Obituary

ather Bruce (Aquinas) Williams, O.P., a priest of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) died late on Sunday, October 6, 2024 after a long illness with Parkinson’s disease. He was 85 years old. He was born on January 8, 1939, in Woodside (Queens), NY, the son of Alfred Eugene Williams and Sylvia (neé Foster) Williams. He became a Roman Catholic during high school, being baptized on April 29, 1955, at St. Mary’s Church in Woodside. After earning a B.A in history and an M.A in Philosophy at St. John’s University, he entered the Dominican novitiate in 1961 at St. Joseph Priory in Somerset, OH, where he received the religious name Aquinas. Following years of academic study and spiritual formation, he was ordained to the priesthood at St. Dominic’s Church in Washington, DC on June 8, 1967. His priestly work was both academic and pastoral. He taught philosophy and theology at various institutions, including St. John’s University and The Angelicum in Rome; served as pastor at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Valhalla, NY; and devoted time and effort to preaching retreats, writing, and giving spiritual direction. The debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease forced him to retire from active ministry, though he remained in communication with family and a wide circle of friends. He lived with his Dominican community at St. Dominic Priory in Washington, DC for as long as possible until his care requirements necessitated a move to Sacred Heart Home in Hyattsville, MD. The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate and the staff at Sacred Heart Home provided exemplary care. Father Bruce Williams is survived by his cousin Suzanne (Ralph) Boehm, longtime friend Marc Pickerington, and the members of his Dominican community. Visitation is at St. Dominic Church in Washington, DC on Friday, October 11 beginning at 7 pm and again on Saturday, October 12 beginning at 10 am. The Funeral Mass is on Saturday, October 12 at 10:30 am. Interment immediately follows in the Dominican section at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.