Richard S. Williams, 57, of Sandy Hook, Conn., passed away peacefully on March 20, 2022. Born in the Bronx and raised in Brewster, N.Y., he graduated from Pace University with a computer science degree and started his career at IBM. It was there that he met his future wife, SuZanne DeWitt. They married in October 1993 and settled in Sandy Hook, where they raised their two children.

He spent his 35+ year IT career at IBM, Reader’s Digest and, for the past 12 years, AXA XL, starting as one of IBM and Reader’s Digest’s first web developers at the dawn of the internet age, moving on to more strategic and leadership roles. These roles allowed him the opportunity to work and collaborate with colleagues, who often became friends, around the world.

Rich enjoyed playing golf, attending concerts (especially Elton John’s), and sitting on a beach with a frozen drink. He was an avid Mets and Packers fan, attending many games and passing this loyalty on to his family. The main attraction of these interests was allowing him the chance of spending time with the ones he loved. He made friends far and wide and would not miss an opportunity to see them. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and friend.

Rich was preceded in death by his father, William Williams, and his stepfather, Jim Beardsley.

In addition to his mother, Jacqueline Beardsley, and brother, Robert Williams (Melissa), he is survived by his wife, SuZanne; his children, daughter Rachel Kohlsaat (Evan) and son Ryan Williams; and soon-to-be-born grandson. His nephews, Carter and Spencer; mother-in-law, Carol Dwyer; father-in-law, James DeWitt; and brother-in-law, Blair DeWitt (Deb), also survive him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 3571, Newtown CT 06470, or your local animal shelter in honor of Rich’s love for animals.

Visiting hours are Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 4 to 7 pm at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

Service is Friday, March 25, 2022, 11 am at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook.

Interment will follow at Newtown Village Cemetery, 20 Elm Drive.