William Joseph Darley, age 89, of River Forest, IL, and Williams Bay, WI, passed away at home on April 17, 2018, surrounded by his family. Bill leaves a legacy of love through family, friendships, charities, and a family business.
The accomplishments throughout his life are a testament to his strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, Catholic faith, and devotion to his family and the W. S. Darley & Company, where he served as Chairman of the Board and CEO.
Many will recall Bill’s years of involvement in FAMA, leading as its President in 1987. He was recognized as a FAMA Star Achiever recipient in 2000 and was inducted as an Honorary Member in 2004. Bill was the only FAMA President to have two sons follow him in that role – Paul in 2000, and Peter in 2010.
Of all his successes, Bill is most known not by what he did, but who he was. He was a friend to all – kind, humble, accepting, funny, and true – and he treated all as though he’d known them forever.
Bill was the beloved husband of Frances Butler Darley and the late Jeanne Morrissy Darley; loving father of Stephen (Darlene), Peter (Karen), Thomas (Pamela), James (Christina), Paul (Heidi) Darley, Anne (Randy) Freedman, and the late William C. and Mary Krina (Michael) Mattio; adored grandfather of 12; dear brother of Patricia (the late Dr. Philip) Long and Reginald C. (the late Francella) Darley and the late Julia (the late Edward) LeFevour; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Sunday, April 22, 4:00-7:00pm, Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion, Oak Park.
Funeral Services: Monday, April 23, 10:00am – Family and friends will meet at St. Luke Church, 7600 Lake St., River Forest, IL. Private interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside.
Memorial Service in Indianapolis: Friday, April 27th, 8:00am
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
126 W. Georgia St., Indianapolis, IN
(directly across the street from the convention center)
Personal notes of condolence may be sent to:
The Darley Family
c/o Paul Darley
325 Spring Lake Drive
Itasca, IL 60143
