Obituary of Gordon Lea Williams

Gordon Lea Williams, 70, of West Orange, NJ passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Gordon was born in Orange, NJ to Gordon and Barbara (Shannon) Willams. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1973 and went on to attend the Police Academy of Essex County and later Seton Hall University where he obtained his Graduate degree.

In 1982, Gordon married Helen Querques Williams and later welcomed two beautiful and cherished daughters, Tracy Shannon and Samantha Lea.

Gordon served as a Lieutenant and then as a Detective for the Essex County Police Department in the early years of his career, going on to become an Intelligence Officer in the DEA and eventually working overseas as an International Police Advisor in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also served as the Head of Security at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ.

In addition to his years of public service, Gordon gave back to the Law Enforcement community by teaching courses in the Police Graduate Studies Program at Seton Hall University as well as at Central Texas College as an adjunct professor.

Throughout his career, Gordon made lifelong friendships across the globe; many colleagues remember him not only as a friend but as a cherished mentor.

Outside of his work, Gordon found joy in his family and friends, oldies music, Italian food and the New York Giants. In recent years, his growing family and grandson were the light of his life.

Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Barbara and Gordon D. Williams,

He is survived by his wife Helen Querques Williams, and two daughters, Tracy McAteer and her husband Oliver, and Samantha Kern and her husband Jordan, as well as grandson Paxton McAteer. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Dale Finn and her husband Edward Crowley, and Cindy Williams. In addition to immediate family, Gordon will be missed by his beloved nephews and nieces, as well as countless other family and lifelong friends.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate