Michael Patrick Williams

In Loving Memory: A Tribute to a Remarkable Life

There’s a famous quote that no one probably actually said: “When you have to choose between history and legend, print the legend.”

Today, we remember a man whose own history was also somehow the stuff of legend - Mike Williams. It feels like the set-up to a joke - a priest, a Steelers fan, a limo driver, and a grandfather walk into a bar. Somehow, those descriptions only begin to capture Mike’s story.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our one-of-a-kind father, grandpa, uncle, and friend Michael Patrick Williams who departed this world on May 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Mike brought warmth, wisdom, kindness, and humor to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Born in Rochester, New York during the Depression, Mike loved life, family, sports, reading, traveling, and community. His family moved to Pittsburgh, a city he built a permanent bond with.

Mike then joined the Josephinum Pontifical Seminary, becoming an ordained Diocesan Catholic priest. After leaving the priesthood, he began raising a family, and throughout his life, contributed immensely to jazz, civil rights (with Cesar Chavez), youth sports, touching lives, inspiring many. As a professional, Mike was a college philosophy teacher, Senior Sales Manager in the publishing business, and a coatings specialist.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Michael W. Williams, and mother, Marie C. Williams (O’Kane), and his sister, Marie C. Mueller (Williams), all from Pittsburgh.

He leaves behind his sons - Brian and Matthew - and his daughter - Mimi, two grandchildren - Brody and Caroline, seven nephews, and countless friends. All of them will miss him in their own way, treasuring the memories of holidays spent together, stories shared, games/matches played, and lessons imparted. His presence will forever be missed but cherished in the hearts of all who loved them.

Mike was often referred to as a ‘character’; if Mike was in a room you walked into, you were about to embark on a magnificent adventure. He left something behind in every person he met - whether that was a lifetime of caring and compassion or just a riddle that felt like it was saved for just that occasion.

He was a self-proclaimed sandlot sports legend known for epic victories, retiring undefeated with a highlight reel played repeatedly over the years. Despite the absence of definitive win-loss statistics, evidence of the friendships forged in those sandlots were abundant throughout the course of his life.

He loved to dine out and we’re sure that waitresses at breakfast joints across the country are in mourning. We suspect they’ll be some extra eggs over easy being cooked in anticipation of his arrival for quite some time.

Mike was an avid cook and what he lacked in skill he made up in enthusiasm. He was capable of truly fantastic meals, while also turning out others that were best defined as flammable.

Mike’s lifetime collection of bad cars was legendary. He had an uncanny ability to select the truly worst cars, while also finding himself uniquely dedicated to keeping them. The only value they had was in the loads of change that could be fished out of the seat cushions.

When he wasn’t teaching his grandchildren to gamble on horse races, he spent countless hours at little league ball fields, bleacher seats, and in the post-practice pick-up line. He thought recreation and play were the best that life had to offer. It is a love that his children and grandchildren were so happy to have adopted.

Mike was a fantastic storyteller. He loved sharing his adventures about founding the Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, rubbing shoulders with the greats (Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Mary Lou Williams), or running the Catholic youth organization as a young priest, and more recently as a writer – on his fifth unpublished iteration of protagonist Packer’s most recent adventure in ‘Shoot the Nickel’.

He made every person he encountered feel special and welcomed. He cared about the right things and always put people at the center. We all can learn from his example.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held on May 31st at Mimi’s home. Family, friends, and all who wish to pay their respects are welcome to honor their memory and share in the joy of recounting moments spent with him.

Rest in eternal peace, Mike. Your journey has ended, but your story will continue in the lives and hearts of those who love you.