William H. Blakely

William Henry Blakely, a man of true character and unwavering integrity. Money and material things never mattered to him. He knew that faith, honesty and love of family were the only things that were really important. And he expressed that in how he lived each day.

Born in Chicago to Robert and Eileen Blakely (nee Fogarty), Bill was a proud English/Irishman which meant he was always smiling, singing, whistling a tune and enjoyed a cold beer with family & friends now and then. Bill was blessed with a long list of life-long friends who still stay in touch with the family to this day.

October 14th, 1961, he married Marilyn Porcelli and immediately started a family. A few years after that, they built a home in the suburbs - Addison, Illinois - where they lived out their entire lives together over 63 years. Through the years, that home welcomed many families, friends, celebrations and many impromptu neighborhood get-togethers.

A skilled paint and wallpaper contractor, Bill's meticulous attention to detail made him an expert in his craft. His work ethic and craftsmanship left a lasting impression on those he served.

Through the later years he enjoyed the blessing of grandchildren and great-grandchildren with whom he loved more than words can say.

Bill had an adventurous soul and a calm demeanor in any situation. His happy place was when he was fishing: off the boat, any pier, from any shoreline, in any location. He loved a good party. And he loved to have fun. He was known as Poppy and Grandpa to the grandkids and great grandkids. When he was around kids (his own or others’), he had fun on the brain. To his children—Mary Eileen (George) VanTholen, Linda Blakely, William “Billy” (the late Sue) Blakely, and Edward (Heidi) Blakely, he left a legacy of love for fun, love of nature and love of music. To his grandkids—Brian VanTholen, Dana (Erik) Sanzotti, Shaun VanTholen, Stefanie Blakely, and Jessica Blakely, he poured out his playful spirit and love for nature and fishing. They knew their time spent with grandpa would be low-stress and fun, with miscellaneous adventures, playing silly games, wrestling on the floor, giving horse-back rides, telling funny jokes, trips to Wisconsin, dunking him at the beach, fishing on the boat and lots of ice cream.

Great-grandkids Nora and Henry Sanzotti brought a smile to his face at the mere mention of their names. He loved to follow all their adventures online every day. And he beamed with happiness watching them learning to fish.

His love for nature, fishing, and good times was contagious, inspiring countless memories and lessons that will be cherished forever.

He is also survived by his siblings Robert (Darlene) Blakely, Eileen (Michael) Conroy, Patricia (Bruce) Schuster and the late Jerome (Beatrice) Blakely.

Bill passed away October 29, 2025 - just as calmy as he lived. His passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy of kindness, fun, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. His calm and gentle demeanor, coupled with his joyful laughter, and memories of fun times will go on forever with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Monday, November 10th from 4:00 p.m. until time of Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. at Humes Funeral Home, 320 W. Lake St., Addison. Interment is private.