
Vincent M. Williams Sr.
VINCENT MARTIN WILLIAMS, SR., affectionately known as “Man” to his family peacefully departed this life in his home on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 in the company of his family. On May 4, 1930, he was the second born of eleven children to the late Joseph and Margaret Williams in Pittsburgh.
He was raised in the Homewood-Brushton area and received his formal education in the Pittsburgh Public School system, and attended the Holy Rosary Catholic Parish. At a young age, he was mechanically inclined. His passion was vehicles…any vehicle. He also loved sports and was a proficient baseball player.
In 1947, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He also had a brief stint with the U.S. Naval Reserve. His service to his country lasted three years. After his honorable discharge at the MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, he was unable to find steady employment due to the segregated South. He returned to Pittsburgh where he held several positions with companies like Hussey Steel, VA Hospital, and Yellow Cab, to name a few. Following these short term occupations, he started his career with the Port Authority Transit as a laborer and achieved a position as maintenance foreman. He worked there 25 years until his retirement.
In 1951, Vincent met and married Rosarita Yates. They were married 37 years. From this union, he fathered six children. As part of his legacy, he was a great provider, a positive role model, and raised his children with stability and strength.
After his marriage, Vincent established a meaningful relationship with the late Susie Ferguson, and to affirm the couple’s bond, they raised Susie’s great nephew, Robert Lee Lucky, from his infancy.
He was a man of many talents. Most notable, was his unparalleled work ethnic, incredible acumen as a carpenter, plumber, and mechanic. During his leisure time, he could be found watching the local and world news, Jeopardy, and a good baseball game. He also loved listening to jazz and blues.
Finally, the challenges associated with his medical condition prompted him to surrender his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Vincent was preceded in death by his four brothers, Mark, Peter, Leo and Samuel Williams; one sister, Cecil Williams. He leaves to cherish his memory the mother of his children, Rosarita Williams; six loving children: Vincent Williams,Jr., Mark (Pam) Williams, Deborah Williams-Cutrary, Darnell Williams, Patricia (Thomas) Christian, and Rita (Canard) Grigsby; a grafted son and brother, Robert Lee (Carissa) Lucky; two sisters: Sylvia (Harry) Powell, Margaret (Joseph) Boxley; three brothers: David (Sandy) Williams, George (Marilyn) Williams and Thomas (Darlene) Williams; 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.