William Francis Ryan

William Francis Ryan obituary, Hinsdale, IL

William Francis Ryan

William Ryan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sullivan Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Service - Hinsdale on Dec. 9, 2025.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William Francis Ryan, 65, affectionately known as "Bill" or "Rocko" who passed away on Thursday, December 4th, 2025. Bill was a man whose life was a testament to love, knowledge, steadfast faith, and his family. Bill's journey began in Beverly, IL, where he was raised fostering a deep spiritual foundation at Christ the King Church. Bill continued his practice in faith, graduating from Marist High School in 1978 and then on to St. Joseph's College ('82), where he studied English literature and developed a life-long passion for politics, reading, and history. It is also at St. Joe's where he met his beloved wife, Cheryl.
On October 11th, 2025 Bill and Cheryl celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. Bill was a man of immense passions: he was an avid reader with a wealth of knowledge, a dedicated fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Chicago sports, and true connoisseur of rock and roll, with The Kinks and The Rolling Stones filling his extensive album collection. Yet the greatest passion and joy of his life was his family. Bill was a very loved man, and his memory will be cherished forever by his wife, Cheryl, and their devoted children, Billy and Kate whom Bill ensured were raised with love and imparted many life lessons.
Bill was preceded in death by his Mother, Jane Donovan Ryan and his Father, William Ryan.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl Ryan, nee Huizinga; loving father of Bill (Lucy) Ryan, and Kate (Sam) DeTrempe; dear brother of Kathleen (John) Waite, Eileen (Hugh) Spector, Maureen (Bob) Pangrazio and Madonna Ryan (the late Dan) Martin; dearest brother in-law of Daniel (Sue) Huizinga; fond uncle and great uncle "UB" of many.
Memorial Visitation Friday, December 12th, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sullivan Funeral Home, 60 South Grant Street, Hinsdale, IL. Funeral Saturday, December 13th, Memorial Visitation 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at Notre Dame Church, 64 Norfolk Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to American Lung Association, www.lung.org or PAWS Chicago, www.pawschicago.org are appreciated. 630-323-0275 or www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com
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Sign William Ryan's Guest Book

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December 31, 2025

Phil Schuetzner posted to the memorial.

December 14, 2025

Colleen Dowd Kollman posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2025

Alan Grigoletto posted to the memorial.

Phil Schuetzner

December 31, 2025

Cheryl, so sorry about Billy´s passing - just heard about it. I was lucky enough to know both of you. I know we weren´t in touch, but I still thought about him when I heard a Stones song. He was a good friend, snd he will be missed. I hope you and the kids are doing ok. Schootz.

Colleen Dowd Kollman

December 14, 2025

Bill was just the sweetest, kindest, most loving man. I am with all of you in spirit and sending love and prayers to Cheryl and all the family. I am sad I couldn't be with all of you this weekend. May he rest in peace.
Cousin Colleen

Alan Grigoletto

December 10, 2025

I´m very sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. I was fortunate to have to worked with Bill at the OCC. He was a dedicated and knowledgeable teacher of options, our industry and a respected
colleague.

Eric C

December 9, 2025

I was blessed to have the opportunity to know and work alongside Bill. A terrific mentor and wonderful individual

David Prosperi

December 9, 2025

I had the good fortune to work with Bill at the Options Clearing Corporation and the Options Industry Council. I enjoyed our conversations about family and sports, and he was very patient in explaining to me the intricacies of the options markets. May his memory be an eternal blessing to his family and friends.

Jennifer Warkenthien

December 9, 2025

Cheryl, I am heartbroken to hear of Bill's passing. My heart goes out to you, Billy and Kate.
Bill was a such great guy and I am glad to have known him. Even though we all didn't get to see each other much (since our bowling league days), it was always a pleasure to run into Bill on my way up Madison to the train station to get caught up with what our kids were up to, etc.
Bill, may we meet again someday at a bowling alley in the sky! In the meantime . . . you know the rule: Don't Practice!
Love, Jen

Mark Benzaquen

December 9, 2025

I worked closely with Bill for several years at OCC. Here's what I'll always remember about him:

1. He had a very deliberate way of speaking and would often "cogitate" on something for long periods before answering. To this day, "cogitate" is one of my favorite words.
2. He often spoke in air quotes, even when on the phone. Still brings a smile to my face.
3. If you wanted to get him out on the dance floor, simply queue up ABBA's "Dancing Queen" and watch him go to work.
4. He was nearly fanatical about his love for The Kinks.
5. He was the nicest and kindest man that I ever met and will be sorely missed by those that love him.

Chris Stefano (SJC '80)

December 9, 2025

Cheryl and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. May Bill's memory be a blessing.

From the Staff of Sullivan Funeral Home

December 9, 2025

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Sullivan Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Service - Hinsdale

60 South Grant Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521

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Sign William Ryan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 31, 2025

Phil Schuetzner posted to the memorial.

December 14, 2025

Colleen Dowd Kollman posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2025

Alan Grigoletto posted to the memorial.