William Maniscalco

1944 - 2021

William Maniscalco of Palatine, Illinois was called home to join his mother and father in Heaven on Friday, November 19 at age 77. Bill was an example to everyone he met of how to be a loving son, father, grandfather, husband, and friend. He was the beloved husband of Josephine, nee Gattuso. Adored father of William (Wendi) and Anthony (Brandi) Maniscalco. Loving Papa of Allison, William, Dominic, Aidan, Olivia, Lily, and Chase. Dear brother of John (the late Bonnie) Maniscalco and Francene (Ken) Rosenkrans. Loving cousin and uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Known by some to Bill and to many as Papa, Bill was born in Chicago in 1944 and was raised by an elegant, strong Italian mother and a gentle and kind father. He had childhood friends who he stayed close to for 70 years and spent time with weekly until the end of his life. His father owned a business called Mid-City Paving, which he and his brother John took over, turned into a thriving business, and ran for 35 years. Bill was a veteran; he loved his country fiercely and served in the Air Force National Guard as a Teletype Technician.

Bill met his wife Josie in 1963 when they were only 18 years old, at Merrimac's, a social athletic club where Bill would go every day with his friends. It was love at first sight. They were a living example of a classic love story to all who knew them. Bill proposed to Josie on Lake Michigan and they were married on May 7, 1966. Bill was intensely and selflessly devoted to Josie and their two sons, Bill and Anthony, and always ensured they were taken care of. When his sons got married and had kids, he cherished and adored all of his grandchildren. They all felt how proud he was and how much he loved them every moment they spent together. He was a doting husband, loving father, beloved grandfather, and a great friend to many.

Bill retired at 56 and never regretted it, enjoying his retirement and loving his life and his family for every moment. In his retirement, Bill could be found golfing with his friends (once even hitting a hole in one), rooting for the White Sox through the good and the bad, cooking pasta and pizza, and traveling with his family.

Nothing brought Bill more happiness than being surrounded by wife, his two sons, and his seven grandchildren. He would never end a conversation or walk away from you without making sure you felt loved. His sense of humor brought warmth and comfort and laughter to every room he entered. The impact he has left on all of our lives is beyond measure. We are all so much better for having known him, and we take comfort in celebrating his life and being grateful that we got to be a part of it.

The family will be welcoming visitors on Friday, November 26th, 5PM to 8PM, Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E Northwest Highway, Palatine. Funeral Mass on Saturday, November 27th, 10AM, St Theresa Church, 455 N Benton St, Palatine. Interment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be made to The V Foundation, http://www.v.org.