Bruce A. Williamson, 68 of Manchester, died on March 26 after a 2 year battle with esophageal cancer. Bruce was born on October 22, 1947 in Willimantic, CT to the late James Williamson Sr. and Rita (Deschene) Williamson He grew up in Lebanon, CT and graduated in 1965 from Lyman Memorial High School. He attended what was then Central CT State College in New Britain for 2 years and then joined the Coast Guard in 1967. He had hoped to see a little of the world, but was stationed in New London, CT for the duration of his tour. After the Coast Guard he was hired at Pratt & Whitney and was later accepted into their Tool, Die and Gauge apprentice program. He was a tool maker for 27 years, not only at Pratt & Whitney, but various other tool making shops in the area, including Highland Park Manufacturing. He was laid off after 9/11 and decided to enroll in culinary school, as he had a great love of cooking. He graduated in 2004 from the Center for Culinary Arts, first in his class and the oldest member. He then worked as a chef at Price Chopper, where he ran the kiosk for Meal of the Week. He retired in 2011 and began his 2 year quest to write a cookbook, which he finished and published in 2013, called A Journey Into the Rich Lavish World of Cheesecakes. He had his second cookbook about 90 percent complete. He leaves to mourn, his wife of 27 years, Percy (Percalie Monty) Boucher-Williamson, his son Christopher Williamson and his girlfriend Sara, his 2 stepdaughters (but they were never considered that) Michelle Boucher Faille and her husband Brian and Deborah Boucher Coggshall and her husband Brian, his grandchildren, Isiah Brazeal (Williamson), Maddox Williamson, and Katelyn and Carter Coggshall; his brothers James Williamson Jr. and his wife Carole, and Greg Williamson and his wife Christine; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sirkka and Dennis Campbell, Philip and Jeanne Monty, Karl and Michelle Monty and Jo and John Ouellette and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his many friends of Bill W. who uplifted and supported him for many years. Calling hours will be held in the Library at Trinity Episcopal Church located at 120 Sigourney Street, Hartford, CT on Friday, April 1, from 5-8 and the funeral and committal service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, on Saturday, April 2 at 1 PM. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home is assisting the family and is providing the cremation arrangements. Donations can be made to either the American Cancer Society, Trinity Memorial Garden Fund or to a charity of the donor's choice. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.