William "Bill" Joseph Gillen

William “Bill” Gillen, age 92, was born to eternal life on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Loretta “Peach” Gawne, with whom he shared 55 joyful years. Together, they raised eight children: Bill (Marla), Julie, the late John, Peggy (Mike) DiNino, Mark (Peggy), Steve (Kathryn), Victoria (Brian) Schnitker, and Cynthia (Chris) Maxedon. He was a proud grandfather of sixteen, great-grandfather of six, and a devoted brother, uncle, and friend to many.

A lifelong Catholic, Bill served as a Eucharistic minister, was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and active in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, deep devotion to family, and strong sense of service to others.

Bill graduated from Fenwick High School and St. Joseph’s College before serving in the U.S. Army in Europe. He went on to build a long and accomplished career in the electronic security and fire protection industry.

He was also a lifelong Cubs fan who proudly celebrated their 2016 World Series win. His happiest moments were spent at large family gatherings, summer vacations in the Carolinas, and traveling the world with Peach. He often said, “Who could ask for more?”

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 33 S. Buesching Rd., Lake Zurich, IL, beginning at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 8324 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077.