NAPLES, FLORIDA – Reverend Peter Y. Williams died July 8, 2024, at the age of 63 in Naples, FL. He was born in Highland Park, IL on August 5, 1960, the son of David Y. and Charlotte (Cleary) Williams.  He was a graduate of Loyola Academy, Willmette, IL (1978), Christendom College, Front Royal, VA (1982), St. Paul’s Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA (1983) and Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD (1987).  He was ordained to the priesthood on February 28, 1987 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington by Bishop John A. Marshall for the Diocese of Burlington.

His priestly ministry began at St. Mark Parish, Burlington (1987-1993).  He also served at St. Patrick, Fairfield (1998-2002). His first pastorate was at St. Patrick, Fairfield (2000-2002).  He then served as pastor at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Middlebury (2002 – 2003). He also served as Pastor of Holy Family Parish, Springfield from 2004-2021.

His diocesan responsibilities included the Diocesan Office of Religious Education, Diocesan House of Discernment, Presbyteral Council and Chaplain and Executive Director at Camp Holy Cross. Father Williams also studied at Gallaudet College in 1988 and had a ministry to the deaf for several years.

Survivors include his mother, Charlotte (Cleary) Williams, brothers Spencer, Christopher, Michael, Joseph and Paul, and sisters Terese Williams, Kathleen Hinkle, Diane Galeback, Margaret Pierce, Mary Vincinanzo, Patricia Blume and Elizabeth Heisler, and their spouses and many nephews and nieces.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Thursday, July 18th at St. Agnes Church, Naples, Florida. A Memorial Mass for Fr. Williams will be celebrated by Bishop John McDermott at St. Mary Church in Springfield, VT, on Monday, August 19th.