Daniel J. Willams, 89, of Clifton Park and formerly of Oswego, died Sunday May 3 at the Schuyler Ridge Residential Home in Clifton Park after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

He was born in Oswego on August 6, 1936 and was the son of the late Orin and Ruth Burke Williams.

He was a 1958 graduate of SUNY Oswego. He was employed as a teacher in Central New York before relocating to Niskayuna, NY to accept a position with the New York State Department of Education in Albany, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.

He was an excellent athlete, excelling in basketball, softball, and tennis; playing competitively into his 40s. Dan was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. He loved a good party! A huge Syracuse University and Buffalo Bills fan, Dan's real sports passion was watching his grandchildren play sports. He rarely missed a game.

Dan is survived by his children: Daniel of Saratoga Springs, NY; Colleen (Giuseppe) Capobianco, of Gansevoort, NY; Julie (Peter) Diana, of Rotterdam, NY; and Kathleen (Robert) Lumley, of Guilderland, NY. Dan adored his eight grandchildren: Chelsea Diana (Paul), Victoria Diana, Timothy Williams, Gabriella (Josh) Thomas, Natasha Capobianco, Alexander Diana, Jack Lumley, and Kylie Lumley. He was blessed with two adorable great granddaughters Eliza and Viviana. He is also survived by his sister, Carole Fields, of Oswego, brothers-in-law Charles (Carol) Gallagher, of Brandon, MS, James Gallagher (Karen), of Volney, NY, and sister-in-law Carol Chamberlain, of Oswego. Also, Dan's cousin and great friend Bob Resseguie plus many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Dan was predeceased by his wife, Mary Anne (Gallagher), and brothers-in-law Jack Fields and David Chamberlain

Memorial services will be held Friday, June 19, at 12 noon at The Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home 112 East Second St. Oswego, NY 13126.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Dan's honor to Schuyler Ridge Residential Healthcare, 1 Abele Blvd, Clifton Park, NY 12065