J. Bradley "Brad" Williams, 74, of Avenel, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on August 8th 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 19, 1952 to the late Billie (nee Wauford) and Clyde Williams in Lebanon, TN, he was a lifelong resident of Avenel.

A graduate of Woodbridge High School, he received his Bacholer’s degree in music from Upper Iowa University and Doctorate in Psychology from Farleigh Dickinson University.

Brad dedicated his professional life to psychology. After earning his PhD in 1992, he went on to have a long career as a clinical psychologist. He started his career in private practice and then moved to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange and Chester Township. His work allowed him to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless people, and his dedication to his profession was an important part of who he was. In 2013, he was honored with the Henry H. Kessler Award for Medical Excellence, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Kessler and the people he served. He retired in 2016, after a long and illustrious career.

Brad also believed strongly in serving his community. He was a proud member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 44 in Sewaren, New Jersey, where he volunteered his time in service to others. His love for the ocean started years prior when he worked as a Bowson aboard the Clearwater.

While Brad accomplished much throughout his professional life, those who knew him best will remember him for something much more personal: he was a loving and devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, and friend.

Brad was also a man who could never have enough music. He loved music in every form and seemed to have an instrument for nearly every occasion. His curiosity and love of learning extended to exploring new sounds and ways of creating music. He was also a composer. Brad wrote and composed his own music — a creative outlet that belonged to him. He created because creating brought him joy. One of Brad's greatest pleasures was passing that love of music on to his granddaughters, Madeline and Ava. "Poppy" loved teaching them about different kinds of music, introducing them to different instruments.

Brad is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Williams; his daughter, Elizabeth McLaughin, and her husband, Brian McLaughin, of Woodbridge; and his cherished granddaughters, Madeline and Ava McLaughin. He is also survived by his sister, Laura Christian and her husband Greg Christan of Browns Mills; and niece, Lori Christian.

Brad's life was one of service, curiosity, creativity, and love. He spent his career helping others, volunteered his time to his community, filled his home with music, and shared his passions with the people he loved. Brad may have left behind many instruments, but the music he created was only part of what he gave to the people around him. His greatest compositions were the memories he made with the people he loved. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by his family.

The family has requested a private funeral service which was entrusted to Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. Those wishing to honor Brad's memory may make a memorial contribution to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 44 (Sewaren, New Jersey). The family deeply appreciates your kindness and support during this difficult time.