In Memory of Philip M. Williams

Obituary

Philip M. Williams

1945–2026

On August 26th Philip M. “Phil” Williams passed away on his 81st birthday surrounded by his loving family.

Phil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, educator, and community leader whose life was defined by his love of family, commitment to education, service to his community, and genuine enjoyment of the people around him.

Born on August 26, 1945, to Roger and Eleanor Williams, Phil was raised in New Hartford and attended New Hartford Central Schools, graduating from New Hartford High School in 1963. He continued his education at Hobart College and later graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Following college, Phil began what would become his lifelong calling at the Utica School of Commerce (USC), becoming the fourth generation of his family to help lead the institution. Working alongside his father for many years, Phil devoted his career to USC and became its President in 1983.

For Phil, USC was always about far more than a school or a career—it was about people. Thousands of students passed through its halls during his years of leadership, and Phil took tremendous pride in their accomplishments. He was a hands-on administrator who genuinely cared about his students and reveled in hearing their success stories long after graduation.

Phil believed deeply in civic duty and giving back to the community that had given so much to him and his family. Throughout his life, he served as a board member, leader, and advocate for numerous local, regional, and state organizations. Among them were the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), Oneida County BOCES School and Business Alliance, Regional Compact Coalition, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Utica Development Association, Community Wellness Partners, and The Neighborhood Center, among many others.

In recognition of his contributions to the community, Phil was honored as a Living Legend by the Oneida County Historical Society in 2010. He was also a longtime member of the Fort Schuyler Club and Sadaquada Golf Club.

While Phil accomplished much professionally and within his community, nothing was more important to him than his family.

In June 1967, Phil married his true love, Diana Bates. Together, they built a life and raised their family on Paris Road in New Hartford. Their marriage spanned nearly six decades and was filled with family, friendships, travel, laughter, and countless adventures.

Phil is survived by his beloved wife, Diana; his son, Scott (Tricia) Williams of New Hartford; his daughter, Kathryn (Robert) Piddock of Adams, New York; and his daughter, Megan (Kevin) Collins of Mooresville, North Carolina.

He is also survived by his 11 cherished grandchildren: Connell Williams, Gavin Williams, Kyle Usyk, Alexandria Usyk, Abigail Piddock Fulford,Jacqueline Piddock, Robert Piddock, Thomas Piddock, Andrew Collins, Sean Collins, and Jason Collins. Being a grandfather brought Phil tremendous joy, and his family will carry with them countless memories of the love, laughter, and traditions they shared.

Some of Phil’s happiest moments were spent traveling with his family in the family RVs or enjoying his beloved Otsego Lake. Over the years, there were many boats and many adventures, but the destination that always felt like home was the lake. Time spent boating, relaxing at Sandy Beach, and simply being together created some of the family’s most treasured memories.

Faith and music were also important parts of Phil’s life. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and later First Presbyterian Church of New Hartford. Phil loved to sing and was a choir member at both churches, a tradition that began when he was just a boy and continued throughout much of his life.

Those who knew Phil will remember much more than his many accomplishments. They will remember his love, his charm, his humor, his unmistakable smile, and especially his laugh. When Phil walked into a room, you knew he was there. His laughter was contagious, his personality filled a room, and he had a way of making life—and the people around him—a little more joyful.

Phil leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: generations of students whose lives were changed through education, a community strengthened by his service, and, most importantly, a family who loved him deeply.

His was a life well lived, filled with purpose, family, friendship, service, music, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. The family would like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care and a special friend of the family Bonnie McCarthy.

Calling hours will be on Friday, September 11 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.  The funeral will be on Saturday, September 12 at 9:30 at the New Hartford Presbyterian Church.  Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider Hospice and Palliative Care. 

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.