Tony Williams
(Class of 1971)
Anthony Russell Williams, born and raised in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Tony was a 2-year starter at defensive tackle, he switched to linebacker and fullback his senior year, starting at both positions, As co-captain of the 1970 team, he was voted Most Outstanding player. Tony continued to achieve excellence as a student/athlete by attending Boston University where he played 3 years as linebacker, leading the1972 team in tackles, averaging over 10 a game, making him a pre-season pick for All New England honors in 1973.
After graduating from Boston University’s School of Management with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he began his career in corporate America working at several Fortune 500 companies, including Proctor and Gamble, Frito-Lay, BIC and American Can Company. Tony believed that he hadn’t found his calling and made a career change entering the public sector as Director of Bridge Painting for the NYC Department of Transportation. During the Dinkins administration Tony managed an annual capital painting budget of over $40 million dollars, under Commissioner Lou Riccio and Chief of Staff Mike Weiss, a Tech Alumnus and Alumni Association founder.
Later on Tony began working for the NYC Department of Education and received his Masters degree in Education from Touro University, where he later became an Adjunct Professor of Special Education. Tony decided to give back to his community and Tech, he became an assistant football coach working with Coach Jim DiBenedetto.
Finally, Tony was called to the NYC Department of Education, where he taught math and science For over 13 years in middle schools throughout New York City. Subsequently, he became a Math Coach, where he trained in-service math teachers enhancing their professional development. He also contributed to a $150 million dollar project called IMPACT MATH as the only NYC public school teacher helping to design 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math curriculum. At one time his name was in every middle school mathbooks in NYC. Tony cherished his years as an educator, especially the relationships he developed with the families of under-served communities throughout Brooklyn and the Bronx. He was sought after by parents and administrators to put his talents to work in after-school programs such as Saturday Academies, Summer-School programs, private programs like; Youth America Inc. Jackie Robinson Center for Physical Culture. Long Island University’s “High Energy Program” Newton Learning and Sylvan Learning Center. Success through education and giving back to the community were
attributes given to him from his mother, who was also an educator.
In retirement, Tony has been involved in the annual campaign for the Harrison Family YMCA in Rocky Mount North Carolina as the Chairman of fund raising, President of the Twin County Hall of Fame in Rocky Mount, NC, Member Mayor’s Commission for Children with Disabilities, People to People Youth Ambassadors, Member National Counsil of Teacher of Mathematics, Member Education Committee NAACP, Vice President of Sales E-tap.org.
Tony has found his true calling and as a result, his life is rich and fulfilled, he credits Brooklyn Tech Football and the lifelong relationships and experiences for shaping his life.