City, colleagues pay tribute to former city leader

by Judy Stringer

Former Hudson City Councilman J. Dan Williams passed away April 15 at the age of 79. 

Williams began his service with the city as a member of the park board in 1998. The longtime Hudson resident and University of Akron business professor was elected to city council as an at-large member in 2001 and served until December 2005. In 2011, he was appointed to fill an open at-large seat and went on to hold that post until March 2020 when he resigned.

In a statement, Interim City Manager Thomas Sheridan said “Dan gave his time, talents and service to the city of Hudson for many years, and we are heartbroken to hear of his passing. We send our condolences to his wife Laurie, his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Former council member Alex Kelemen said he sat to the “immediate right” of Williams for “almost 200 council meetings” and an equal number of work sessions, interviews and special meetings. Williams, according to Kelemen “was very proud to serve on Hudson City Council; he thought very highly of the institution and its role in Hudson.”

“As one of the longest serving members, Dan relished his role as the ‘dean’ of council, bringing new members along and serving as our unofficial parliamentarian,” Keleman said. “I enjoyed sitting alongside Dan for eight years, working with him, learning from him and at times disagreeing with him.  His joy in serving was infectious. I will miss him and his love of Hudson.” ∞