Jo D. Williams, 84, of South Kingstown, RI, formerly of Brookline, MA, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A third generation Brookline native, he was born on December 4, 1941, to Joseph Daugherty Williams and Esther Jane Graham Williams. Jo graduated from the Pierce School, and Brookline High in 1959. He later attended Newton Jr. College and Michigan State before returning to Brookline. He entered the Massachusetts National Guard in 1964 where he completed his military service. He later earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University. Jo worked as a Police Officer for Brookline PD for 32 years where he received an accommodation from the FBI for assistance with capture of a bank robber.

Jo was known for his sense of humor, problem solving skills, common sense, clear thinking and personal charm. He enjoyed serving with the Freemasons; twice serving as Most Worshipful Master of Beth-horan Lodge, AF & AM, originally of Brookline, MA. He was also a Shriner and loved helping children by volunteering at Shriners Children's Boston.

Jo was dedicated to his family. He was their rock. He enjoyed spending time in Vermont at a house he and his family built themselves, and summer weeks at Quonnie Beach. He enjoyed tinkering, building furniture, restoring old things, watching birds, going to his grandchildrens' performances and games, attending local plays and musicals with his beautiful wife Betsy and just soaking up rays of sun and people watching.

Jo is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years Elizabeth Williams (Kellam) of South Kingstown, RI, daughter Laurel Quintard Murphy and son-in-law Brendan T. Murphy, also of South Kingstown, RI, daughter Anne W. Klepfer and son-in-law David Klepfer of Harleysville, PA, grandson Colin Murphy and wife Emily of Brooklyn, NY, granddaughter Molly Murphy of Baltimore, MD, grandson Michael Klepfer of Philadelphia, PA, granddaughter Jennifer Klepfer of Newark, DE, brother John (Jack) Williams and sister in-law Kathy of South Weymouth, sister Bronwen Vetromile and brother-in-law Thomas of Sagle, ID, 10 nieces and one nephew.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Avery & Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital - Boston or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Jo will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, most especially by his loving wife, Betsy.