David Williams

David Robert Williams, 71, of Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, Professor Emeritus, Research Professor, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering passed away June 2, 2026.

Dave was born in Denison, Texas, on October 2, 1954. His late parents Robert and Sue, along with his brother Mark, relocated often as Robert was a Major in the Air Force. Dave spent most of his childhood in and considered Valdosta, Georgia home. As a child, he enjoyed tennis, basketball, and earned his Eagle Scout. Dave had an early interest in aerospace and fluid dynamics, building his first sailboat and a soap box derby car in his teen years.

Dave received his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. He went on to complete a Master of Science in Fluid Dynamics and Doctor of Philosophy in Fluid Dynamics at Princeton University.

While attending Stevens he met his wife, Loretta “Lorrie” Blumberg-Williams. In 1982 the couple moved to Germany where Dave was an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow. The family relocated to Chicago in 1984 joining the Illinois Institute of Technology where he taught for 42 years. Dave retired in December of 2025 as Professor Emeritus. Dave continued his research following retirement from teaching.

Dave’s passions included sailing, flying, and skiing; skills that he passed on to his family. He was a member of the Chicago Yacht Club, where he was dedicated to building the Etchells fleet. He also spent time on the family farm outside of McLeansboro, Illinois, which held a dear place for him. Dave was humble, witty, and had a dry sense of humor.

Father to Sandy Williams, wife Hannah and son Elio and Chris Williams, wife Sandra and children Theodore, Alexandra, and Oliver. Brother of Mark Williams, wife Carol and nephew to Tammy Davis, husband Henry.

Visit David’s research interest and bio here https://www.iit.edu/directory/people/david-williams In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to PBS, www.wttw.com or Chicago Yacht Club Foundation www.chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org. The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation exists to bring the joys and benefits of boating to all, with primary focus on youth from underrepresented communities. A service in honor of David Williams will be held in Chicago on July 25th, 2026.

Please RSVP to dwms2026@yahoo.com for further details. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.