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Randy William (r), with member Elliot Schwartz.
With great sadness, we recently learned that one of our long-time Rotarians and active member of the Chestnut Hill community, John Randolph “Randy” Williams Jr., passed away at his home on April 9.
Randy Williams joined Chestnut Hill Rotary in December 2006 and was an active volunteer helping to clean up and maintain local gardens including the pergola at Germantown Avenue and Cresheim Valley Drive. Chestnut Hill Rotary volunteers maintain the space to beautify the local environment which originated as a project celebrating Rotary International's centennial in 2005. He was also actively involved with supporting Chestnut Hill Rotary’s literacy initiatives.
Students receiving at books at J.S. Jenks elementary donated by Chestnut Hill Rotary.
“We spent many years reading to first graders at John Story Jenks elementary school,” said long-time member, Carol Tyler. Williams also helped read to and distribute donated books to 3rd graders at Jenks and Eleanor C. Emlen elementary.
“When I first joined Rotary, I learned that he organized a group that went over to Jenks school every week to read with 1st graders,” said Maggie Stoeffel, Chestnut Hill Rotary’s Community Service Chair. “I thought that was such a lovely idea, so I decided to join them, and I really enjoyed doing it and getting to know Randy and his wife Nancy in the process.”
“I know that he was committed to the historical preservation of the Hill, serving as the President of what was then the Chestnut Hill Historical Society,” said founding member, Phil Tankel. “He was a polymath, having made a living I believe in finance, but also had a business with one of his sons rehabbing houses and selling them. He also built two houses on Martha’s Vineyard.”
“I really bonded with Randy over our shared love of historic architecture. He was a font of knowledge about local historic buildings, and I loved chatting with him about it, said member David Stoeffel. “He even schooled me in the pronunciation of ‘Cliveden.’ If you’re referring to the building, the i is short, because it was a British site, but if you’re referring to Cliveden Street, the i is long, because it’s American. Thanks Randy!”
He also always had a happy smile on his face when he attended Rotary meetings and events. Randy, and Nancy, opened their home up for periodic Rotary social events (pictured above).
“I remember visiting his home in Chestnut Hill in the fall of 2023 for one of our social events, said Jay Pennie, club President, “I remember that big smile on his face when I commented how beautiful his home is with a wonderful combination of modern design with traditional elements.”
“Randy was such a good Rotarian and had so many friends,” said member Tom Lloyd. “We will really miss him.”
Read the full obituary for Williams in the Chestnut Hill Local
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11 A.M. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Avenue in Chestnut Hill. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name to the Chestnut Hill Conservancy would be appreciated.
