William F. Raffeld, age 83, of Chicago; Associate Professor of Theatre at The University of Illinois at Chicago, died peacefully on May 17, 2020 in the hospice care wing of Rush Medical Center. He is the beloved brother of Diane Raffeld (Jack) Zelinger, Renee Bernheim, and David Raffeld; loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. A private graveside service was held on May 20th. Contributions may be made to the William F. Raffeld Award at UIC Chicago, http://give.uic.edu. Look for "gift to UIC", enter RAFFELD in search box, and locate UIC William F. Raffeld Award, SAUIC, and follow instructions; or, checks payable of the University of Illinois Foundation, and mailed to 1305 W. Green Street, MC-386, Urbana, IL 61801. Add a note this is for the "UIC Professor William F. Raffeld Award". Arrangements entrusted to Lakeshore Jewish Funerals, 773-625-8621
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to those that knew him, life is somewhat darker now.... but so much, much brighter that he was here.
good journeys to you, bill.
your friend
steve
December 30, 2021
A bit of Bill lives on in every one of his students.
That sort of synergy is so strong and positive it puts Bill in the top percentile of all the people who have been able to pass on to their next generation a life in a noble profession firmly founded in dedication, discipline and determination.
Stewart Fischer
School
November 27, 2021
(The initial message was not delivered Correctly): But in Summary, Thank you God for allowing us 3 to Be placed in the life of A most beautiful, influential person, and Extraordinary teacher. Bill´s teaching us the art of acting and all related principals he gave are as Fresh and productive tools used In each of our lives Now , after being Presented to us many years ago! Being excited to be a student, a learner of his teachings , and to develop as A friend To Bill who displayed to us a man who was unselfish, who chose to Give and Share the talent, the Experience, The gifts and His passion in theatre, related life´s principals ..We 3 remember A gift we presented to him years ago, the 3 glass made Seagulls (as a token of our continuing appreciation on love towards Him) We were even more thrilled at his reaction to Our Gift, but in our hearts, Bill, You have always given a bigger gift To each if us, blessing us with Your God given Spirit of creativity, your Patience, your dedication and Commitment to Succeed and not be afraid towards the challenges that Came with each of life´s challenges! We are thankful for every blessed And Loved Memory & Will Always Treasure you in our hearts
RENEE, Diane, Michele
School
July 22, 2021
Bill was a good, good man. He was a brilliant, tireless and nurturing artist, and my life is better for having known him. I'll never forget some of the dorky outfits he would wear to rehearsals or his goofy but endearing smile, and, to this day, those who knew him will imitate his laugh with fondness, and everyone who ever heard it knows the sound of it. That was Bill. Sweet, sweet, man. Condolences to his family and friends. There will never be another like him.
Dennis McLaughlin
Student
July 11, 2020
So sad to hear about Billy. Adrienne told us he was ill, but I didnt realize he was hat Ill. Im his cousin in Chicago and got to know him only 10-15 years ago at our family reunions. My condolences go out to all the extended family. Family connection: Im Judy Rappoports eldest grandaughter
Melinda Sharkan
Family
July 9, 2020
Bill inspired so many people during his life. I met him at the Ruth Page Ballet school. He was the grandfather in the Civic Ballet's production of The Nutcracker for many years. I always enjoyed his performance, especially his dance with Grandma. He was an inspiration to his actors in that production and the entire cast. I also saw him in the" Fantastics" some years ago, and was amazed at his dancing and singing! He was a professional with real class. His spirit will live on in his students, and all who got to know him, including his audiences. My deepest condolences go out to Bill's family .
Antoinette M. Lorvig
Friend
June 23, 2020
Thank you Bill for the many wonder-filled journeys we shared. You have been and will always be my friend
David Ayotte
Friend
May 29, 2020
Bill was the kindest, most caring and most generous person I have ever known. We shared a long and deep professional relationship and an equally long personal friendship. I will miss himhis smile, his laughter, his stories, his quirkiness, his empathyfor the rest of my life. My deepest condolences to Diane, Renee and David.
Carl Ulaszek
Friend
May 25, 2020
He was my brothers professor, mentor and friend, and - along with my brother, Michael, my Dad, my Mother and sister, Elizabeth - I loved him like a family member. I danced with him at my nieces wedding in Santa Fe until I could dance no more! He brought a bag of fruit to my mothers funeral in case we didnt have time to eat that busy morning. He was always thinking of others. And always smiling. Im so grateful he came into our lives. Only good memories of you, Bill. My condolences to your family. We were happy to be able to listen to the service, the familys remarks and Davids charming poem. Love you, Bill.
Mary Gross
Friend
May 25, 2020
Billy was my favorite professor of all time. He inspired a life long love of theater. He was also a warm, sweet man.
Jerrold Zoloto
Friend
May 25, 2020
Dear Diane , Renee , And David ,
How very sorry we were to hear about Bills death . He was such a wonderful , caring and loving man . I will miss sitting next to him at the Altman Seder - he will not be there , but will always be in my heart .
He suffers no more and is with your dear parents in heaven . G-D Bless , dear Bill - you will never be forgotten .
Our deepest sympathy to you and yours. Words mean little at a time like this , but know you are in our thoughts and prayers .
Love ,
Dorothy and Dick
Dorothy and Dick Schwartz
May 24, 2020
I took Bill Raffeld's acting and directing courses in 1970-71 and was his assistant director for "The White House Murder Case" at Chicago City Players (1972?). For the next 35 years, I saw Bill infrequently, but always counted him as a friend. As a perfect example of synchronicity, he became my daughter's acting teacher in 2007-08. Since then, I saw him a few times a year and always found our conversations enlightening. Thank you, Bill, for inspiring my love of the arts, and theatre in particular.
Steven Rukin
May 21, 2020
o a GOOD FRIEND and a KIND PERSON you will be missed
Rabbi Rosen
Friend
May 20, 2020
Thank you, Bill, for casting me in my first play at UIC (called UICC in those days). Your acting classes and rehearsals were the highlight of my college years. Rest in peace. I will always carry you in my heart.
Peggy Plastina
Student
May 20, 2020
Bill will forever be remembered as a thoughtful, kind, generous person. I learned so much from my friend and mentor, Bill. 'Goodnight sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.'
Walter Stearns
Student
May 20, 2020
Bill will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Tony Courier
Friend
May 20, 2020
Bill Raffeld was a sweet, talented & caring teacher & friend who taught me to have respect for acting. He influenced me greatly in my acting career. He will certainly be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family & friends. May he R.I.P.
Rick Plastina
Student
May 20, 2020
You will be missed a GREAT Friend and a KIND Person Rest in Peace our friend
Rabbi Bob Rosen
Friend
May 20, 2020
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