Bernard Dillon Williams

Bernard Dillon Williams, 86 of Fort Lauderdale, FL. passed away March 24, 2017, he was born in Philadelphia, PA. the son of James Scaife and Mary Dillon. University of Scranton Professor Emeritus Bernard D. Williams taught in the History and Political Science Department for 35 years. Professor Williams joined the faculty at the University in 1962. During his service as Scranton's pre-law advisor, he helped to establish and grow the University's reputation with and graduate admittance to several prestigious East Coast law schools. He also established the University's Pre-law Society (1966). He founded Scranton's chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the international honor society in history (1967), and pioneered the International Studies major at Scranton (1981). He served the University in several administrative positions, including as director of the University's office that advised students pursuing post-baccalaureate graduate and professional degree programs, as a member of the University Senate and as vice-chair of the student affairs council. Professor Williams' numerous teaching awards include the Outstanding Teacher award from the University's graduating class of 1967, the Outstanding Service Award from the Middle Atlantic States Region of the U.S. Association of Evening Students in 1972, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society, in 1973, among others. In the greater Scranton community, Professor Williams served as a director for the Voluntary Action Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania and on the executive committee of the Volunteers-in-Probation of Lackawanna County. A native of Philadelphia, Professor Williams earned his bachelor's degree in history from La Salle College. He earned his master's degree in history from Niagara University, where he also taught prior to joining the faculty at Scranton.

He was an avid reader, followed financial markets, his true interests were history and politics and early in life was an avid gardener and served in the Naval Reserves. Those who will honor his memory are his sister, Mary W. Howells and the following nieces and nephews, Mary Patricia Howells, Deborah Kufalk, Jennifer Catalfino, Jason Williams, Aaron Williams and Heather Ferragut. His sister in law, Marian Williams and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, James Williams. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00AM Thursday, March 30, 2017 at St Anthony Catholic Church, followed by entombment at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery.