William “Bill” J. Harte of Chicago, age 90. Beloved father of Gerre Anne (William Greeson) Harte, Jennifer (Douglas Noyes) Harte, Meghan (Chris Wilhelmi) Harte and Stephanie (Danny Higgins) Harte; proud grandfather of Crea Wilhelmi, Nell Harte, Jude Wilhelmi, Jada Noyes, Aiden John (AJ) Noyes, Olivia Higgins, Penelope Higgins; dear brother of Lucille (Tom) Foley, Mel (Sarah Mercado) Harte and the late James (Mary) Harte, the late Ed (late Pat) Harte, the late Rosemary Schierl, late Anne (late John) O’Neill and the late Kathryn Harte. Bill Harte, a man who combined a big heart, a kind soul, and the tenacity of a brilliant lawyer, passed away peacefully after a long love-filled life. He will be remembered as much for his life outside the courtroom as his many legal victories inside. He was born and raised on the westside of Chicago, Illinois, the son of Edward J. Harte, a police officer and Clare Salvadora Banks Harte, a homemaker. Bill was a brilliant lawyer, thinker, and a powerful political strategist. He was a lawyer’s lawyer, the best of the best and one of the best trial lawyers in Illinois. What mattered most to Bill was his family and friends, many that had been strangers a moment before they became life-long friends. Bill Harte had a big heart -- always quick to offer a hand up, a job or even a "loan.” Money and power did not matter to him. His connection with people was what fueled him most. He will be remembered for his commitment to supporting people through difficult times and for his quick smile, his wry sense of humor and his engaging stories that always had a moral at the end. He was shrewd, but always kind. The world today could use more people like Bill. Bill graduated from Quincy College in 1954 with a degree in history. Harte got a scholarship and became captain of the football team having never played before college, playing both offensive and defensive end, winning induction into the QU Hall of Fame in 1985, all because the Quincy coach gave him a chance. He also played for Quincy’s basketball team and boxed at the college. After serving in the Army, he earned his law degree from Notre Dame Law School. Bill went on to have tremendous successes in almost every area of the law. His accomplishments defined or established new legal tenants in areas as diverse as attorney discipline, aviation law, civil rights, class action, criminal and constitutional law, human rights, judicial discipline, probate, reapportionment, voting rights, workers compensation and zoning. As accomplished as Bill was in the legal profession, his greatest pride was his support for the many young people he encountered, employed, mentored, and championed. He employed or found jobs for easily hundreds of young people. He paid the tuition for private high school and college for many. He freely gave professional and personal advice, legal services, mentoring, shoulders to stand on and a network to access. He supported the missions of many organizations with financial and pro bono legal support. He was overly generous with his time, talent, and treasures. Truly a great mind, kind soul, and loyal friend. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral mass 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago. Entombment private at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Link Unlimited, 2221 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60616 (www.linkunlimited.org) appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For further info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.
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