ANTHONY WILLIAMS

95, of Cranston, passed away on Wednesday August 31, 2011 at RI Hospital in Providence. He was the devoted husband of the late Jennie (DiTraglia) Williams. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late James and Rose (Vallone) Williams. Since the age of 15, he worked in his parents' greenhouse and continued into the nursery business at Forest Hills Nurseries located in Cranston since 1934. In 1945 he and his brother, Frank, took over the family business and he became President and Treasurer of the firm. Anthony held various positions in numerous organizations including the American Association of Nurseryman, and other regional nurseryman's associations. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Cranston Historical Society, Cranston Chamber of Commerce and the 100 Club of Rhode Island. He was awarded Outstanding Senior of Cranston by former Mayor Michael Traficante. In 2008 he received the Hall of Fame award from the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscaping Association. In 2009 he was inducted into Rhode Island Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Anthony was known not only as a gentleman but also as a "gentle man".

He was the beloved father of Judy Passante and her husband Alan, Patricia Troiano and her companion Joseph Pezzuco, Sharon Baptista and her husband Ernest all of Cranston, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren- Lisa Passante; Nicole, James and Jonathan Troiano; Jennifer and Peter Baptista. He was the dear brother of Anna Larson and Frank Williams, both of Cranston and the late Mary Vitale and Adeline Williams.

His funeral will be held on Saturday at 8:45 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, Cranston at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Church 1525 Cranston St. Cranston 02920.