William A. Parrilli

William "Bill" Parrilli, a long-time resident of Wheaton, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, March 14, 2025, under the lunar eclipse with the love of his life Theresa by his side.
He was born August 19, 1949 on Arthington Street in Chicago's Little Italy, the son of second generation Italian parents. He attended Hull House and the Mary Crane Nursery School before his family settled in the suburbs in Glenview. He grew up dabbling in sports, music, and onion frying at Hackney's on Harms.
After graduating Maine East High School, he took his guitar and his Volkswagen Karmann Ghia on a meandering five year journey across the country, with time spent in Denver, Arizona, and – inexplicably - the Bahamas. He landed in Southern Illinois as a proud Saluki. It was there that he met Theresa, whom he lovingly and occasionally not so lovingly referred to as "Ter," and – as he told it – "that was it" – he would never be the same again.
After marrying, they worked in non-profits and borrowed the parks & rec school bus to take their friends up to the city for nights out at Kingston Mines. They eventually hung up their hippie shoes, had two little girls, and bought their home in Wheaton, where they lived together happily and in a state of constant home renovation for 33 years.
Bill preferred play over work. He spent his time falling asleep in front of the Cubs game and had the uncanny ability to always know the score when he awoken. He loved Northwestern football. He could be seen around town driving his convertible while blasting Muddy Waters or The Rolling Stones, often going the wrong way down one-way streets and failing to stop at stoplights or railroad crossings. He had a knack for storytelling and never hesitated to tell the same story more than once. His account at the Wheaton Public Library was perpetually overdue. He never knew a stranger, frequently asking people he didn't know where he had met them before. He was the first to make a toast, not making it three words without crying, and the last to pick up the bill. He repeatedly reminded his family how generous he was. He loved his wife's cooking, except when he didn't, and was known to exclaim, "do you know how much you'd pay for this in a fine Italian restaurant?" during Sunday dinner at home. He liked his scotch neat and his house quiet. He was never afraid to ask people to leave at the end of a party.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Theresa; his favorite daughters, Christine and Elizabeth; the sons he never had, Nick and Amelio; his brother Bob; and the lights of his life – his three grandchildren, Sammy, Rosie, and Quincy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Geraldine (née Carlucci) Parrilli, his brother John, many dear friends and cousins, and Eubie, the world's worst dog.
A visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, Illinois 60187, on Tuesday, March 18 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Relatives & friends are invited to meet directly at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, Illinois 60187, on Wednesday, March 19, for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment at St. Michael Cemetery in Wheaton to follow.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I love you more