William W. Giambrone

William Wade Giambrone, beloved husband, father, and visionary entrepreneur, passed away peacefully in the arms of his family, August 5, 2024, at the age of 60. Born March 13, 1964, in Berwyn, IL, Bill was raised in Wheaton, IL, by his parents, the late Michael P. and Phyllis J. Giambrone (nee Anderson). He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1982 and pursued a degree in political science at Illinois Benedictine University.
Bill's relentless drive and passion led him to balance writing mortgage loans and making sales calls by day while putting himself through Law School at DePaul University by night. In 1991, he earned his law degree and later went on to establish Giambrone, Sullivan, and Sullivan Law Firm together with two law school friends.
In 1994, Bill and his brother Michael co-founded Platinum Home Mortgage Corporation. Under Bill's leadership, Platinum found itself at the forefront of establishing new records in the mortgage banking industry and the first to receive approval from FHA, VA, FNMA and GNMA in record time. Platinum was licensed in all 50 states and expanded to 30 branches across the United States. Bill's innovative vision and tireless work ethic earned him the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Award in 1996. As a young entrepreneur, Bill also independently opened Platinum Community Bank and co-founded Freedom Title Corporation to further solidify his impact on the industry.
A dynamic and influential figure, Bill was deeply involved in the mortgage banking industry. He played a key role in establishing Platinum Home Mortgage as a leader in the field. Bill was an original member of America's Mortgage Co-op, Principal Member of the Community Mortgage Lenders of America and founding member of the Community Home Lenders of America - all Washington DC based institutions. Bill was also asked to testify before Congress on behalf of Independent Mortgage Bankers. He loyally rose to the request, demonstrating dedication and advocacy for the industry he loved.
Bill was also an engaged and strong member of his community. His significant contributions included serving on the Board of Directors and the Economic Committee for Rolling Meadows' Chamber of Commerce. He also served as Trustee and Chair of the Finance Committee at Lake Forest Country Day School, where his leadership helped shape the school's financial future. His membership and support extended to numerous other professional organizations, including the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association, Mortgage Bankers of America, and the American Bar Association.
For all the passion Bill extended professionally and through community, it was within the intimate circle of his personal life where he felt his greatest joy. In September 1999, he married Michele and together they built a family centered around their four children. Victoria, Michael, Marie, and Anthony were the heart of Bill's world. His dedication to family was unwavering, and he was known to express his love in many ways: through playful banter, storytelling, hands-on teaching and directly connected, heartfelt affection (lovin'). Bill was present and knew each child's strengths and challenges – supporting them in the unique way each deserved to be loved and cared for. Bill loved to travel with his family, getting to show them the most beautiful parts of the world. These trips were more than just vacations; they were opportunities for Bill to bond with his family, to teach them about the world, and to create stories that would be cherished for years to come.
Bill's legacy is one of strength, confidence and an energy that touched everyone he met. Whether sharing wisdom at family dinners or orchestrating spectacular fireworks displays, he approached every aspect of life with passion, generosity, dedication and 100% effort. Bill lived life to the fullest and his greatest legacy will prove to be his deep love for family. His four children will surely find aspects of their own identities tied to his as they achieve their own successes in life. Their Dad will be forever remembered with sincerest gratitude.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife Michele (nee Welch), their children Victoria, Michael, Marie, and Anthony, his brother Michael, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.
Rest in peace, Billy. Your legacy lives on through your many achievements, and, most importantly, the countless lives you touched.
Visitation Monday, August 12 from 3 PM - 8 PM, at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine and Tuesday, August 13, 2024 9:15 until time of funeral Mass at 10:15 AM at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 22333 W. Erhart Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060. Entombment Queen of Heaven, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162. For more info call 847-359-8020.