William Dawson

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our husband and father, William J Dawson (Bill), 64. Born on June 21, 1961, he departed from this world on February 11, 2026 after a valiant battle with PSP, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, music and laughter.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Mary J. Dawson (MJ), his adored children, Juliet, William Quinn (Ellen) and Owen (Ariana Sulejman), his mother, Mary Dawson and brother, Russ Dawson, nephews Brandon Czernik, Tim Dawson and niece Rachel Dawson. Also surviving him are uncles, aunts and many beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Buckeye Dawson, brother Tim Dawson, and in-laws Walter and Blanche Czernik.

Bill wanted to be a magician as a young boy and brought a kind of magic to our lives. He was an entertainer from an early age, telling stories, jokes, singing, acting and playing guitar. He graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and the Yale School of Drama. He appeared on the stage at the Yale Rep, The Williamstown Theatre Festival and Regional Shakespeare Festivals, among many others.

Bill carried these performance skills to a successful career in Automotive Communications. He was a Vice President of Communications at Johnson Controls, a Global Communications Director at Chrysler, and Senior Executive Communications Director at Tenneco. He always worked diligently with dedication and integrity.

His favorite roles, however, were as husband and father. He proudly supported his children, encouraging their academic, athletic and musical pursuits. He was their biggest fan.

He enjoyed family vacations, musical evenings with special friends, Holly and Jeff Peterson and Penny and Scott Reining, ("the Six-Pack"), and especially loved playing his guitar and writing songs. He was a devoted member of many church choirs over the years, singing, accompanying, and leading services. It was truly his ministry.

We will always remember his passion for entertaining others, enjoying life, and how his positive outlook, work ethic, loyalty and kindness touched all who knew him.

The mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM. at

St. Joseph Catholic Church,

121 E. Maple Ave,

Libertyville, IL 60048

Visitation will take place in the church Narthex from 9:20 AM until the time of the mass.

His service will be livestreamed.

Arrangements by McMurrough Funeral Chapel (847) 362-2626

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

St. Joseph Food Pantry, c/o St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 121 E Maple Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048

or CurePSP (psp.org)

Bill would ask that in his memory you listen to a song that you love, help someone in need, pet a dog, and hold your loved ones close.