Herbert "Herbie" O. Williams

Herbert “Herbie” Williams was born on October 3rd, 1928, to Alfred and Alberta Williams, in Raleigh North Carolina. Herbie was the second born out of 14. The family eventually relocated to Philadelphia where Herbie played a major role in helping his mother with his brothers and sisters, often assisting in the kitchen, where he initially realized that he had a love for preparing and serving food. At the age of 22 he joined the Army. While enlisted Herbie spent a good portion of his military career in London. He was selected as one of the 20 soldiers chosen for an exchange program where he attended culinary school in London. Once he returned home, he worked at several high-class restaurants until he was tapped on the shoulder to be head chef at a prestigious restaurant in Clearwater FL. After spending a good amount of time in Clearwater he was approached by the owner of the restaurant to be the head chef at a new hotel back in Pennsylvania, the Hilton. Outside of work Herbie had an active life continuing to take care of the family, helping whoever and whenever he could. He had a big heart and a fierce loyalty to family. He also had a sense of humor that could keep a crowd laughing for hours with a laugh that was insanely infectious. Herbie enjoyed gathering with family and loved ones often entertaining at the family home which he bought, lived in, and maintained for the entire family until his time of death. He was a lover of football. GO EAGLES! And he enjoyed a nice shot of bourbon and a beer to relax and unwind. At the Hilton Herbie proved to be just as successful as he had been in Clearwater. He would also end up meeting the love of his life, Christine, and they would go on to have two daughters Dawn and Rachel. Herbie continued his cooking career until eventually retiring from being a chef but continuing to keep busy at the same hotel engaging guests and ensuring they were safely transported to their destination of choice. Herbie also had a great love for music, not only playing the saxophone but a voice that mimicked that of Nat King Cole, one of his favorite performers. Herbie would often serenade his passengers while they traveled to their destinations. His love for music was one of the many things he shared with his girls. He would often sing to them and eventually he would teach Rachel several songs that they would sing together including Marty Robins “El Paso” and Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa”. Later, he and Rachel during the father daughter dance at her wedding would dance to “Mona Lisa”. During the dance you could hear him softly singing along to her while they danced. Herbie also had a strong and lasting relationship with God. This was instilled in him from the foundation his mother and father built at a young age. After passing the age of seventy he would often tell his girls “He was floating in gravy” going on to quote Psalms 90:10 the Lord only promised threescore plus ten. He thought of ever year after seventy as a blessing directly to him from God and he thanked Him often. Herbie was preceded in death by his parents Alberta and Alfred Williams. Eleven siblings, including seven brothers Al, Joe, John, Ben, Rob, Ed, Will and four sisters Rachel, Emma, Shelia, Patsy. He is also preceded in death by one daughter Dawn. He leaves behind two siblings Christine and Dave. One daughter and son-in law, Rachel and Sterling. Five grandchildren Jon, Joel, Christian, Logan, and Ava. One great granddaughter, Sophia Dawn. Along with a slue of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, 805 DeKalb St. Bridgeport, PA 19405 from 1pm to 2pm. Military funeral honors and family sharing will begin at 2pm. Interment will be private.

Arrangements are by The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Bridgeport, PA.

Condolences to the family may be posted at www.bacchifh.com.