Samuel, Edward and Susan Williams

The entire YAI Network family is deeply saddened by the passing of Samuel Dunstan Williams, a dedicated advocate for people with developmental disabilities and a longtime friend of our organization. He was the devoted husband of Susan, and the adoring father of their son Edward, who has autism and who resides in a YAI/Rockland County Association for Learning Disabilities (RCALD) home.

The Williams family has a long history with YAI, beginning when Edward was a toddler. “We go way back,” said John Dobrosky, Assistant Director of Clinical and Family Services at YAI.  “We arranged some respite for Edward at least 20 years ago and we’ve been like family every since. Sam was a very patient man and I always admired him because he was such a good husband and father. He was always very attentive and wanting the best for his entire family,” added John, who also participated with Susan on the Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council.

“Sam Williams was an extraordinary person,” said Marco Damiani, Senior Director of Clinical and Family Services at YAI. “He was involved, often in leadership roles, with several organizations and committees that represented a variety of interests and causes. Yet he always found time to advocate, with tremendous grace and compassion, for people with disabilities.”

“When I think of advocacy and the important voice that parents and family members have in promoting the rights of people with disabilities, I think of Sam and Susan Williams,” said Thomas A. Dern, Chief Operating Officer of the YAI Network. “Sam was a dear friend to the field and I will miss him greatly.”

The loss of Samuel Williams is felt throughout the YAI Network and the hearts of all of us here go out to the Williams family.