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WILLIAM HANNAY Obituary

HANNAY--William M., III. William M. Hannay III, of Barrington, IL, passed away August 11, 2020, with his family by his side in Stony Brook, NY. Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Bill maintained lifelong enthusiasm for childhood pursuits he began with his parents: sailing with his father, William; singing and acting with his mother, Gladys. After graduating from Yale University in 1966, Bill proudly served a tour of duty in Vietnam before attending Georgetown Law School. He went on to clerk for US Appellate Judge Myron Bright and retired Supreme Court Justice Tom C. Clark, was an Assistant District Attorney in New York City, and became Partner at Schiff Hardin LLC in Chicago, IL. Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; daughters, Capron and Blaike; son, William; son-in- law, Matt; grandchildren, Zach and Olivia; and nephew and niece, Ian and Eliza. His list of associations included: Chicago Literary Society (Pres.), Yale Club of Chicago Foundation (former President), Georgetown University Alumni Association, American Bar Association International Section (former Chair), Great Lakes Dredge & Philharmonic Society of Chicago, Master Singers, and Barrington Village Singers, among others. In all his endeavors he offered wisdom, wit, and a song. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

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Published by New York Times on Aug. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM HANNAY

15 Entries

michael Traison

August 24, 2025

Missing our conversations.
You enriched my life.

michael Traison

December 8, 2024

It´s been over four years and I miss Bill and think about him. I selfishly wish I could call him for lunch. A wonderful man.

frona tressler

April 13, 2021

mr. hannay was my boss at schiff... those were some of the best years of my life and he was one of the nicest bosses I've ever had and was back late 80s..Rest in peace.. I didn't know about this but I miss Sears Tower and I miss our fun times and all the wonderful information I learned from him ... we live in Lake Zurich now near Barrington and I always thought he still lived there! He would tell me about his wonderful times I believe he had horses with his daughters and I wish I could have kept in touch more..

Peter Spier

April 7, 2021

I just learned about Bill´s passing and am deeply saddened and shocked. I met Bill when working together at Schiff from 2005-09 and we continued to meet for annual lunches thereafter until a few years ago. I had the opportunity to work with Bill in the holiday show in 2008, which was when we really bonded. Bill was so passionate about the show , but at the same time, never took it too seriously. It was unquestionably one of my favorite experiences during my time at Schiff.

He was just a wonderful guy - smart, funny and kind. He always had that sparkle in his eye.

Bill will be dearly missed. Sending my love to his family.

Lisa Miller

October 21, 2020

I was working on my Christmas card list and often google my friends and colleagues to see where they are. I am reading Bill's obit and that fabulous picture. What a shock to me to find out he is gone. I worked with him on a tough insurance case in 2011 and we won! Are you surprised? Of course not. I loved working with him and that was a tall order when working on an insurance case. To those who knew him more recently...and in the past: Hat's off to Bill! hugs Lisa Miller

Tom Hoidal

October 20, 2020

I was perusing my Missouri Bar magazine and was shocked to see Bill Hannay listed among those members recently deceased. My condolences to the family on what must have been a terrible loss.

I shared an apartment with Bill one year when we were in law school at Georgetown. There were three of us and Bill kept us entertained with his jokes and good cheer. He was a year ahead of me and was applying for Federal clerkships while we lived together. He provided invaluable advice on the process and when the time came, I applied to a Judge in Kansas City who he recommended. I got the job and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Bill was a great roommate and I am so sorry that he has left his loved ones.

Korin Isotalo

September 11, 2020

I knew Bill through the four years of holiday shows that I participated in while employed at Schiff. The first year I ever participated, I was at a personal low in my life, and the opportunity to perform in Bill's holiday show meant more to me than I can ever convey. Every year he gave me a bigger role. The last year I performed I had my own song, and I'll never forget that Bill always sent a single red rose to all the cast members on the day of the show. He wrote "Break a leg" on one of his business cards, and tied it to the stem. He took the time, he paid attention to the details. He cared. He was a special, warm, funny man who saw talent in me and encouraged me. I don't think he knew how much that meant, or how big of an impact it had. He gave me the chance to shine. Rehearsing during our lunch breaks, practicing our dance moves, laughing through all of our fumbling attempts to put on a GREAT SHOW -- he created a special experience for us that I will never forget. The last time I ran into Bill in the elevator (because I still work in the Sears Tower), he asked me if I was still performing. His encouragement never stopped. Rest in peace, Bill -- I'll think of you in the audience every time I sing. Thank you for being such a wonderful person in the world.

Jamie Pastman

September 2, 2020

Dear Hannay family,
I was fortunate to serve as Bill’s pianist/musical director for many years, both at Schiff and his Chi Naked Lunch production. We became (i’d like to think) good friends over the years, and i will cherish my relationship with Bill always. We shared so many laughs as we endeavored to put on a good show, the memories are dear to me

Lawrence I. Fox and Sue Bryant

September 1, 2020

Dear Donna, Capron, Blaike and Wiv,

We extend to each of you and to the grandchildren and extended family our deepest condolences on the passing of your dear husband, father, grandfather and our friend - Bill. Over the half-century of our friendship, he always was an incredible “force.“ His love for you was his guiding light; and his ebullient spirit — whether singing or making us joyful with his playfulness, wit and jokes – were life-enhancing for us all. His larger than life personality and zest for life make his passing all the more difficult to imagine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope that you take some solace knowing that in your hearts and in those of his many friends his memory remains a lasting blessing.

With Love, Larry Fox and Sue Bryant

Andrew M. Klein

September 1, 2020

A wonderful man and long-time friend. I will sorely miss him -- as surely many, many others will, too. My heart goes out to his lovely wife, Donna, their daughters and grandchildren.

Steven Cernak

September 1, 2020

Bill was a true scholar and a gentleman. I enjoyed my time working with him on ABA and Schiff Hardin matters.

John and Leslie Roberts

August 30, 2020

Bill, our dear friend, was taken from us too soon. We are still in shock

We pray for the Hannah’s, that the pain of losing your loved one lessens in time
We love you all !! The Roberts: Leslie, John, John11 and Jen

Todd and Beverly Parkhurst

August 30, 2020

It is difficult to capture in words what a great guy Bill Hannay was—so smart, so witty and talented, so kind and such a good friend. Bill’s sharp wit, talent, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and kindness added a great deal to our lives. We shared many good times. From practicing law together, to teaching together, to acting and creating historic plays, to just having a good conversation, Bill was always a solid partner, advisor and dear friend. He was the brother Todd never had in his immediate family. Bill will be remembered with love. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife, Donna, and his entire family.

Barbara Holman

August 30, 2020

Dear Donna, Capron, Blake and Wiv, Dave and I are so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. What a great photo of him, and a lovely obituary. “He will be dearly missed by all who knew him” is so true, and it certainly includes us. Our hearts are heavy for your loss. Our prayer is for your many, many wonderful memories - so much laughter! - to give you comfort and peace. They are all part of you, and cannot be taken away. With virtual hugs and lots of love, Barbara Holman (former Schiff Hardin attorney and Gilbert & Sullivan protege)

Patricia Pokorski

August 29, 2020

Bill was a lovely man and a great friend to our family. Our children grew up together and Bill and Donna were “other parents” to my children. From Thanksgiving in Prague to summer musical productions directed by Bill our lives are forever entwined. He is so missed but so remembered.

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