John “David” Williams was killed in an automobile accident in Brooklyn on November 4th. David and I have been friends since 1978. That’s the year when a few members of what would later become the Stamford Sports Club, got together to bring cricket to the city. The targeted field was Leonie Park, and a prominent business man in the city, along with Charlie and Roy Lavine, David Williams and a few others, would be the pioneers in this venture.
The late John “David” Williams.
To say that David was an integral part of cricket in Stamford would be an understatement. Charlie and Roy have long hung up their cricket boots, and usually come around to lend moral support to the team, but not David, he remained a fixture in the Stamford team, and even at the age of 63, he continued to play; year after year. Those of us who knew David are aware that he never acquired a driver’s license. However, that never inhibited him from getting to every game, whether it was in Stamford, Brooklyn or Queens.
Even if David was not selected in the team, you could be assured that his “whites” were never far away, and in the event he was called upon to play, he was always ready. I think his friends will all agree that he was never the best player on the team – neither bowling, batting nor fielding. Some even make fun about his contributions to the game, but that never deterred him, as he would often brag after taking a smart catch in the slips that: “I am the best slip fielder in America”. I have known David for many years, and had the privilege of being his captain and his president during my tenure with Stamford. He would always say to me “Orville, we need you here to help us, because some of these guys are not serious”. I have always had his fullest support during both of my leadership stints with the club. Not only did we have a great time in the New York/Connecticut area, but occasionally, we would meet in Barbados and would have an equally good time.
David was not only a great guy, but a genuine friend as well, and my condolences go out to his wife, brothers, sister, mom and all the other members of his family. It is ironic that I was in Connecticut when I received the terrible news but, because of work commitments, had to return to my home in Florida and will be unable to attend the funeral. So on behalf of all of us who knew David well, and those who weren’t so well acquainted, may his soul rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. David Williams, member of Stamford Cricket Club.
David’s wake
Monday November 14th 6-8 pm
Downer Funeral Home
31 Stillwater Ave
Stamford CT
Funeral services
Tuesday, November 15th 11:00 am
St Andrews Church
1231 Washington Ave
Stamford CT
–Orville Hall
Former President and Captain of Stamford Sports Club