Robert John Williams Sr. passed on Monday, February 3, 2025, in Saint Louis, MO, at age 85.
Robert was the beloved husband of Melanie (Foris) Williams, married for 64 years. She was his high school sweetheart, whom he adored and loved for 68 years.
He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on October 15, 1939, to the late Ruth (Setterstone) Mechling.
After graduating from Livingston High School, NJ, in 1959, he embarked on a military career with the US Army in Wertheim, Germany, where his wife accompanied him. He attended Farleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ, and was the owner of several businesses, including the Viking Bakery in Denville, NJ. After semi-retiring, he enjoyed working in sales at K. Hovnanian Homes in Cary, North Carolina.
Robert was the loving father of Robert Jr. (Pegeen) and Darren (Kathryn) Williams and the dearest grandfather (BobBob) of Madelyn, Grace, Ellie, Lexi, and Robert III. He was the beloved brother-in-law of Carole (Foris) Arnott and Arlene (Grabowski) Mechling and uncle of Leah Sheehan, Andrew Arnott, Debbie Durham, and David Mechling. He was preceded in death by his cousin Edith (Setterstone) Von der Heiden, stepfather Fred Mechling, stepbrother Edward Mechling, and brother-in-law Robert Foris.
Passionate about sports, he loved rooting for the New York Yankees and the Fighting Irish Notre Dame Football team. He loved singing along to Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darrin and laughing with his family and friends.
His family and many friends will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be held during the summer in New Jersey; details are still to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to www.woundedwarriorproject.org
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a gentle, loving man. My heart goes out to you, Melanie, and to your family! 64 years. You were blessed.
Bob we will miss you. It was always fun listening to your memories of your youth. Loved hearing about your courtship with Melanie & how much the two of you love each other.
My deepest sympathy to Melanie and family .
I’m so sorry to hear this news. May Bob rest in peace . Condolences to Melanie and the family.
Regina Stricker LHS Classmate
Thanks for being a real gentleman and your friendship all these years and your support for my father Frank and his family
Much appreciated Brian hurlock
Bob was one of the best people I have ever known. He started out as my boss at Viking Bakery and we quickly become friends. The news is devastating. May Bob rest in peace and Condolences to Melanie Darren and Robert Jr and the rest of the family
So sorry about Bob’s passing. He was so loved by family and friends near and far. I will always remember him from our fun sales days at KHov. Much love, Patty & Tony Sloan