Williams honored at Rockville Centre Community Fund gala

Many in the record crowd that took part in the 24th annual Mayor’s Golf & Tennis Classic at the Seawane Country Club in Hewlett Harbor on Monday stayed for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner, rubbing elbows with elected officials and guests with ties to the village during an evening of charity and praise for former Village Justice Robert Williams.

The event was a benefit for the Rockville Centre Community Fund, which has provided nearly $1 million in emergency assistance to village residents in need since it was established in 1987 by former Mayor Eugene Murray.

“We in Rockville Centre, rich and poor, stand together,” said Mayor Francis Murray as attendees stood and applauded. “That’s why my father started the Community Fund 24 years ago.” Murray thanked the event organizers, who included John D. Cameron Jr., Jeffrey Greenfield, Maureen McFadzen, Alyssa Sepe and Mary Rohrs.

Although showers threatened, they held off. Golf and tennis competition was completed, and dinner guests enjoyed barbecued entrees on a patio overlooking the golf course.

The evening’s guest of honor was attorney Robert Williams, a former four-term village justice who, with former Judge Frank Yannelli, oversaw what was described as one of the busiest and most efficient village courts in New York state. A member of the New York State Magistrates Association who served as president of the Nassau County Magistrates Association, Williams has long been active in the Rockville Centre community. He has been involved with the St. Agnes school board, the Mercy Medical Center board of trustees, the Friends of Mercy, the Rockville Centre Zoning Board of Appeals and the Little League and soccer league. He serves on the boards of ethics of both the village and

the school district.

Described as a justice with compassion, Williams, a graduate of St. Agnes Cathedral School, Chaminade High School, Boston College and St. John’s University School of Law, is an Army veteran who received a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He and his wife, Pat, have three children, and Rob and his wife, Beth; Megan and her husband, Scott Reid; and Jay, soon to be married to Stephanie Lynch, were on hand as Williams was

honored.

“We’re here to honor one of our own,” said Cameron as he presented the 2011 Honoree’s Award to Williams, “for what [he’s] accomplished and more for what [he’s] given back.” Williams, Cameron said, recognized the value and importance of volunteering for the community, and his greatest work is his family, built on faith, love, character and values.

“We honor a life built on hard work, dedication and faith,” Cameron added, “and share our blessings with our fellow man.”

“What a great day — what a great honor,” said Williams. He thanked the attendees for what they do for their neighbors, Murray for the vibrancy he brings to his job and, in an emotional moment, his wife.

“Tonight ranks among the top,” Williams said.