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William Bird Obituary
Loving son of the late John R. "Jack" Bird and the late Marilyn (Conroy) Bird.
Caring brother of John (Bonnie Day), Gregory (Judith), Brian and Keith Bird.
Devoted uncle of John, Lauren, Ryan, Amelia and Nataleigh.
A 1978 graduate of Rockford College, Bill earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1979.
Bill was an award winning staff writer/reporter for the Chicago Tribune/Naperville Sun newspapers, 1999-2017 and the Daily Southtown newspapers covering police, fire, and legal affairs. His quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge of classic rock and folk music will be greatly missed.
Services private.
Memorials to Joliet Area Community Hospice, joliethospice.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bird
Katie Foutz
September 22, 2021
I worked with Bill for many years at the Naperville Sun, and I'm so sorry I am behind on news of his passing. He was a wonderful reporter and writer and (Mindy is right) generous with puns. I looked up to him for the way he handled difficult news stories and the everyday work he put into covering the "cops and courts" beat. Peace be with you, Bill and family.
Tanya "TJ" Tyler
July 23, 2021
I attended Rockford College with Bill. A great friend and mentor for me when we worked at WRCR, the college radio station. So sad to hear this news. My prayers to his family.
Kathleen Neal
April 15, 2021
Bill was one of my favorite classmates at EPCHS. He was nice to everyone and had a great sense of humor. I remember sitting across from him in Spanish class!
My sympathies to Bill´s family.
Bob Brown
April 12, 2021
A reporter I respected and who always persevered and endured. Rest in peace
Kathleen Lutgen
April 12, 2021
My mom (Patricia Bird Duerinck) and I , and our whole family sends deepest sympathies to Bill's family. I never met Bill but read his columns from time to time in Naperville. Mom recalls Bill's mom and dad ("Posey?") and her cousin Jack. Our prayers to you all. Wish we could have met.
Kevin Duerinck
April 12, 2021
May you rest in peace, cousin Bill, prayers to the family.
Mindy Arbaugh
April 11, 2021
I had the privilege of working with Bill at the Naperville Sun, spending my last two years sitting next to him in the newsroom. He was infinitely kind, always generous, and I don't think an evening went by that he didn't make me grin (or grimace) with his quips. Bill was such a unique and wonderful human, and I wish his family and friends much peace in their memories of him. RIP, Mr. Bird.
Gene O'Shea
April 11, 2021
I'm sorry for the Bird family and their loss. Bill was an excellent journalist who put his heart into his work. He will be missed by many.
Cheryl channic
April 11, 2021
Bill was a great man and a gentleman may he Rest In Peace.
Margie Davis Riordan
April 11, 2021
So many memories of Bill at EPCHS, in the classroom and out. Always fun, always funny. RIP, Bill.
Diane DAmico Loborec
April 10, 2021
Bill always was a gentlemen and found the best in everyone he met. Rest In Peace, my friend.
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