Gilbert Williams Jr.

Gilbert “Gil” Williams, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on June 25, 1940, in Granville, New York, Gil moved to Wickliffe, Ohio, in the seventh grade, where he quickly became a beloved member of the Italian community. It was there that he met Patricia “Pat” Bruss, his high school sweetheart and later his wife. They shared 64 loving years together. Gil earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Ohio University, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He later earned an MBA from Baldwin Wallace career. He began at TRW in Cleveland, working on the Saturn rocket program, and later joined Bailey Controls in Wickliffe. His career path took him to Columbus, Ohio, where he spent 33 years, serving as vice president at IDT before becoming general manager at Eaton Corporation. He later moved to North Carolina to become president of Electrical South before returning to Ohio. Beyond his professional achievements, Gil was a talented woodworker who created beautiful furnishings. He also had a passion for painting. He and his wife, Pat, traveled the world together and spent cherished summers at the lake house he built in Apple Valley, Ohio. Gil was deeply loved by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and their children: Gilbert Williams III and his wife, Amy, of Libertyville, Illinois; Edward Williams and his wife, Carrie, of Upper Arlington, Ohio; and Aimée Switzer of Upper Arlington, Ohio. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Ellen Williams of Libertyville, Illinois; Gilbert Williams IV and his wife, Megan, of Libertyville, Illinois; Mary Briddell and her husband, Eric, of Atlantic Beach, Florida; Annabella Smith and her husband, David, of Upper Arlington, Ohio; Thomas Switzer Jr. of Upper Arlington, Ohio; and Katherine Switzer of Upper Arlington, Ohio. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Gilbert Williams V and Eugene Williams of Libertyville, Illinois. Gil is also survived by his brother, Royal Williams, of Boise, Idaho, and his sister, Sharon Gargiulo, of Wickliffe, Ohio, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065. A Prayer Service will take place at 3:45 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Williams residence. .

Gilbert Williams Jr.

June 25, 1940 - February 9, 2025