William Jerome Voce

VOCE, WILLIAM JEROME, lovingly known as Bill or Billy, passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2026, at the age of 62. A loving husband, proud girl dad, and enthusiastic Papa to three grandsons. The man who didn't just walk into a room, but filled it with his warm, boisterous energy and contagious banter and story telling about current events on the news, work, or family. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Gail and daughters Caroline, Valerie, and Lillian.

Bill and Gail Vocé's love story began in 1979 at Cary-Grove High School, where they met as teenagers and became high school sweethearts. A playful and rowdy beginning, always bragging about the good ole days and making memories through the years as the "party crew of '82". Bill always said it was love at first sight-and anyone who knew them could see that it never stopped being true. Gail was his anchor and his compass, the steady presence who kept him grounded and "kept him in line", as he would often admit with a smile. His devotion to her was unwavering, always spending "his last dollar on her, just to see her smile". Bill held himself to the quiet promise of always loving Gail well, even in moments when love required patience, growth, and understanding beyond his own. He never backed down from that commitment, he proposed at the age of 19 - marrying soon after at the United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake, IL. At age 20, Bill and Gail gave birth to their first daughter Caroline, already carrying the weight of responsibility of a young family and did it with determination and pride.

At twenty-two, Bill proudly became a union carpenter, drawn to a trade that honored his eager spirit and love of learning-he was capable of fixing nearly anything, there was little in this world his hands could not build or repair. Their early years of marriage were not easy, but their love endured, strengthened by perseverance and shared sacrifice. Together, they built their first home in Crystal Lake, a place where Bill tore down walls only to raise them stronger and more beautiful-just as he did with the life he and Gail were building side by side. Known lovingly as "the pretty house with the turret" on West Hillside, their crafted home represented a visual symbol and the heart of his family for 35 years. Within those walls lived a legacy of laughter, comfort, and belonging, where stories were shared, love was constant, and each evening found its quiet close with the familiar hum of the local news-a home filled with the warmth of a life well lived.

They welcomed their second daughter, Valerie Rose, when Bill was 30, their heavenly daughter Crystal Angel, and their third daughter, Lillian Raquel, at 35 - each arrival deepening his pride and sense of purpose. Bill never missed a game, a moment, or an opportunity to show up for his girls. Just as he had been taught by his parents, Nancy and Edward Vocé, family always came first. His life was measured not by what he built with his hands alone, but by the love he gave freely and consistently to his wife and daughters.

A master carpenter with extraordinary talent, Bill was truly gifted at custom building. His craftsmanship could be found everywhere in the lives of those he loved-from the girls' swing set built with care, to custom jewelry boxes made with intention, to refurbishing antiques alongside his wife as a cherished shared hobby.

Bill shared a long, loving marriage with his wife, Gail Vocé. Their partnership was rooted in devotion, teamwork, and mutual respect. Together they built a life defined by shared projects, shared laughter, and an unwavering commitment to their family. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love-one built steadily over decades through hard work, shared dreams, and standing side by side through all of life's seasons.

Bill's greatest pride was his family and being blessed with only daughters was no mistake. "Nurse, doctor, nurse!" – an extraordinary accomplishment he gloated over, creating three daughters who became profound professional women of their fields. He was a devoted father who loved fiercely, protected instinctively, and gave selflessly. His daughters carry forward his strength, his values, his deep belief in family, and the immense responsibility of what it means to be a Vocé.

At first appearance, Bill was an intimidating man to meet for a potential suitor for his daughters. However, with time and a good conversation shared with a High Life, that intimidating exterior melted away and his tender heart showed through. He took Ryan, Chase and Danny under his wing quickly and shared his vast knowledge with them and the wisdom he has gained over the years as a successful Girl Dad. He loved these young men as if they were his own sons and entrusted them to care for his daughters as he would without worry.

Bill's newest pride was becoming Papa Vocé to his 3 grandsons. He loved cheering on his eldest grandsons, Jordan and Elway, at their soccer and baseball games. With his youngest grandson, Pierce, he would light up the room, just singing ABCs and 123s, with his goofy baby talk. His memory will live on with these boys through future garage projects, buggy rides, and AC/DC jam sessions.

Bill Vocé was a man defined by his heart and his hands. He possessed a tender soul, a quirky and memorable way of telling stories, unstoppable brute strength, and a ferocious generosity that knew no limits-whether helping a family member or a complete stranger. He believed deeply in taking care of his own and never hesitated to put family first. His impeccable work ethic was not just something he practiced, but something he lived and modeled every day.

Though his passing was sudden and unexpected, Bill leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, generosity, craftsmanship, and loyalty. His presence will be felt in every project completed with care, every story retold with a smile, and every gathering where family comes together - just as he always intended.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail Vocé, and his three daughters: Caroline Vocé; Dr. Valerie Rose Vocé-Witmer; and Lillian Raquel Vocé-McGee; son in-laws, Ryan, Chase, and Danny; grandsons Jordan, Elway, and Pierce; mother-in-law Judy; brother-in-law Len (Sue) siblings Wally (Heather), Eddie (Beth), and Lauren (John); nephews Quentin, Giovanni, LJ, Matthew, and Andrew ; nieces Kelly, Kimberly, Vannah, Emily, Mercedes, Kayla, and Ella. He was welcomed to heaven by his parents, Nancy and Edward Vocé, his daughter Crystal Angel, and his father in law Leonard.

He will be remembered always, loved forever, and missed beyond words.

To keep the abundance of Bill's legacy of filling the room with story telling and shop talk alive, our family encourages friends and family from near and far; from years past or present, to continue sharing your memories and stories of Bill with us forevermore. Dad never met a stranger - only family, friends, and buddies he hadn't yet known.

May we always honor his name, preserve his legacy, and tell his stories, opening our family's lives to new friendships that keep his spirit alive and gently mend our hearts with the love he gave so freely.

Our family warmly invites friends and loved ones to share memories, stories, or messages about Bill via email at Billvocelegacy@gmail.com, so we may honor his life with a collection of these moments for a future celebration. We welcome stories and photos of memories, past and future, that are shared with Bill – God knows he would want us to all stay in touch.

A celebration of life is to be planned in Crystal Lake, IL to honor the life of Bill Vocé, updates to follow.

Bill Voce-

Measure twice, cut once - he lived that way.

Bigger than life, louder than the room,

With a voice that shook the walls

And a heart that held his girls like gold.

His hands were scarred from years of building,

but nothing he built was stronger

Than the love he poured into his family.

Proud. Fiery. Italian to his core.

He loved hard, worked harder,

And left fingerprints not just in wood -

But on every life he touched.

The house feels quieter now …

But the foundation he he laid in our hearts

Will never crack, never fade, never fall.

Please always raise a High Life… Cheers to Bill!

Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.