Dr. Ronald F. Williams, 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, February 16, 2025 at Valley Health Services Nursing home. Dr. Williams was the second President at Herkimer County Community College where he served for 22 years. He was born in 1942 in Buffalo, a son of the late Franklin and Mildred (Dee) Williams. Ron earned his undergraduate degree at SUNY Buffalo, his master's degree at SUNY Oswego and his doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration at Indiana University. In 1965 he was united in marriage to Suzanne (Linzer). They were married 59 years until his passing. His teaching career began at North Babylon High School on Long Island, where he taught graphic arts and photography. He then taught occupational education at Trenton State College in New Jersey. His next career move was to Adirondack Community College in Glens Falls, New York, where he served as Coordinator of Occupational Education. In that position he created unique vocational programs, at a time when these programs did not exist at that college. Ron's next job was at Sauk Valley College in Dixon, Illinois, where he served as Dean of Career Education. From there, he became Provost and then President of Black Hawk College in Kewanee Illinois. Finally he served as president of Herkimer County Community College from 1986-2008. At HCCC, Ron provided strong, visionary leadership and contributed to the growth and success of the institution in every sphere of its operations. In the process, he raised the College's reputation as an outstanding public two-year institution of higher learning. He made lasting contributions to numerous programming areas including international recruitment, online learning and various academic programs. Under his leadership, the College completed construction of Wehrum Stadium, expanded the library building that now bears his name, constructed the Technology Center, and developed three sets of student housing units that established Herkimer as a leader among residential community college campuses. He will be remembered for his strong leadership skills and dedication to the community as well as his ability to personally and positively affect the lives of many students. He had an "open-door policy" for any student wishing to talk with him. He sought innovative community-centered programs. His motto was to put more "community" into the community college. Ron was involved in many community organizations throughout the years. These included Rotary Club, American Heart Association and Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the NY Community College Association of Presidents and served as its president for two years. He loved sports and attended many HCCC sporting events, both at home and away. Ron had a passion for outdoor and wilderness activities. His leisure time was spent enjoying family as well as camping and canoeing in the wilderness and RV camping with his wife and dog upon his retirement. He loved visiting his grandchildren in Japan. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Suzanne, two loving sons Gregory (and his wife Yuko) and Glenn, two grandsons, Sebastian and Chandler (Gregory and Yuko's sons), his loving brother, Rick (and his wife Carol) and many other dear relatives. He will be deeply missed by his family and anyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Ron's family would like to share tremendous thanks to the wonderful, dedicated staff at Valley Health Services. Calling hours and funeral service for Dr. Ronald F. William second President at Herkimer County Community College will be held at Fenner Funeral Home Inc, 115 Court Street, Herkimer on Sunday, April 6th from 12:00 noon until 2:00pm. The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm. Memorial donations may be made online to Friends of Bassett Healthcare (please specify Valley Health Services) at the Bassett Healthcare website or sent to Friends of Bassett Network, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or to the American Heart Association. Calling Hours

Sunday, April 6, 2025 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court St. Herkimer, NY 13350 Funeral Service

Sunday, April 6, 2025 2:00 PM

Fenner Funeral Home Inc. 115 Court St. Herkimer, NY 13350