Walter J. Williams, 78, passed away in The Villages, Florida, on January 10, 2026. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, Elsa, who played his favorite Irish music and reminisced with him about cherished moments from their life together. Walter was born on May 29, 1947, to Elmer and Marjorie Williams in Montclair, New Jersey. He attended Immaculate Conception Grammar School, then Essex Catholic High School in Newark. He graduated from St. Leo’s University in Florida in 1969. Walter began his career in education by teaching fifth grade for four years at Madison Avenue Elementary School in Newark. After earning a master’s degree in counseling from Kean University, he became a guidance counselor at Voorhees Township Middle School in Voorhees, New Jersey.

For thirty-six years, Walter shaped the lives of students, parents, faculty, and administrators with his special ability to connect with others with humor and grace. His devotion to young people showed in every interaction. He created innovative programs focused on building relationships and self-confidence, including an environmental studies initiative for incoming sixth graders. Walter started a yearly orientation program for transfer students, featuring a welcome barbecue and orientation. He coached softball and led community sports activities for township children.

Walter cared deeply for parents as well as students. He founded a monthly Koffee Klatch, where parents gathered to discuss children’s issues and gain insights into the middle school years through engaging programs. Walter worked tirelessly to enable all to have a voice in his school community. Retiring after nearly 40 years in Voorhees, Walt stayed connected to students, parents, and staff through social media and visits back to New Jersey.

In 1974, Walter married Elsa, whom he met in graduate school. They joined together from two rich traditions—Irish and Jewish—each filled with stories, faith, music, and memory. Though their backgrounds differed, their values aligned: love, family, humor, and resilience. Their home was always full of holidays, lively discussions, and laughter. Walter delighted in mischief, was famous for his “shenanigans,” and was known for making special memories every day.

Walter was an exceptional father to his sons, Eric and Jonathan. He offered them guidance, encouragement, and wisdom throughout their lives. They fondly remember playing baseball indoors and outdoors, and their spirited Sunday morning (toy) gunfights. Walter was a caring father-in-law to Jonathan’s wife, Lesley, and a loving PopPop to his granddaughter.

An expert storyteller, Walt entertained family and friends, even dressing in outrageous costumes to bring his characters to life. These stories captivated his sons and their friends with playful antics and imaginative tales. Walter found joy in every day, a lesson he passed on to his children.

Walter and his family moved from Manalapan Township to Medford Township to be closer to his work in South Jersey. They settled in the beautiful and welcoming Tamarac

Lakes community. Walt served as a trustee and vice president on the Tamarac Lakes Association board. He actively contributed to environmental, beach, and many social events in the neighborhood and served on the Board of Education for Medford Township Public Schools.

Walt developed a passion for golf as a teenager while caddying at Essex Fells Country Club in North Jersey. He continued playing throughout his life, building lasting friendships with fellow golfers. After moving to The Villages, Florida, in 2011, Elsa took lessons and joined in playing golf with Walt. Together they enjoyed the camaraderie of their golf cart community and Walt played regularly until shortly before his passing. He was proud to have achieved two holes-in-one.

Walt and Elsa also enjoyed many social activities together, including musical events, especially jazz and participating in various clubs. Walt was also known for his visits to Gravino’s, a local cigar lounge, where he enjoyed good company and conversation. He would often say, “A round of golf and a good story—life doesn’t get better.”

In earlier years, Walt collected beer cans and was a founding member of the Jersey Shore Chapter of the Beer Can Collectors of America. He was a lifelong Giants fan - even in Eagles country - and loved baseball, taking trips with his school colleagues to Arizona for spring training and participated in a Fantasy Baseball league with school colleagues for twenty-five years.

Walt treasured summer vacations with family and friends. Elsa did her best to motivate a somewhat reluctant Walt to travel to places he would not have gone on his own. Together they traveled to Ireland, Israel, and many places in Europe, as well as throughout the United States. Wherever they were, at port or sea, no matter how exotic the offerings were, Walt always found a scoop of chocolate ice cream for dessert.

Throughout his life, Walt built close relationships through genuine care and interest in

others. His warmth and humor could make the worst of situations brighter. He was quick-witted and could unexpectedly shift the mood wherever he was. Walt took a sincere interest in everyone he met. Walt always saw the good in people and made his students and friends feel valued.

Walter was predeceased by his mother, Marjorie Sullivan Williams, his father, Elmer H. Williams, and his sister, Sister Carol Williams. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Elsa (Bienstock); his sons, Eric (NJ) and Jonathan (VA); his daughter-in-law, Lesley; his granddaughter; his sister, Barbara Williams (NJ) who he steadfastly counted on in guiding him in his medical journey; many cousins; and a special aunt, Crete Williams of Verona, New Jersey. He is also survived by his in-laws, Miriam and Pinchas Frankel (NY), and Marshall and Janis Fowler Bienstock (NJ). Walter is also survived by his beloved “Brew Crew,” three generations of a trio of close family friends who shared countless laughs, crazy times and storytelling, the last being the Thanksgiving before he passed on his final trip home to NJ.

Walter’s family is planning a Celebration of Life to honor him in the spring in New Jersey. To honor Walter’s memory, donations may be made to the Orlando Health Foundation (Pulmonology Department) or the Alicia Rose “Victorious” Foundation in Voorhees, NJ, which supports teenagers battling cancer and other serious illnesses—a cause close to Walter’s heart.