William J. Nolan
April 25, 1935 – April 21, 2020
On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, Bill Nolan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 84. Bill was preceded in death by his parents John and Elsie Nolan and his brother Jack Nolan (Patricia). He is survived by his loving wife, Carol,his children, Bill Nolan, Jr., Gina Nolan, Maria (Timothy) Truckenbrod, Julie Burris, and Richard Schuessler, by his Grandchildren, Jessica, Chelsea, Robert, “DJ”, Kylie, Maxwell, Dylan, Brady and Allison, great grandchildren, Jack and Elizabeth, by his brother James (Carol) Nolan and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was born and raised on the west side of Chicago and attended St. Phillips High School. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. Bill then joined the Chicago Police Department on December 16, 1959 and was assigned to the Traffic Division, Undercover Task Force, was promoted to Detective/Homicide Division and then transferred to the Intelligence Division. Bill retired with distinguished service on November 29, 2000. He became a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge #7 in 1963 and went on to be elected President three (3) consecutive terms, from 1993 until 2002. He served as the Treasurer for the National Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police from 1987 to 1995. After Bill’s retirement from the CPD, he worked as Assistant Chief of Court Services Division for the Cook County Sherriff’s Office for 10 years. In 2013 he became president and founding member of the Cook County Sheriff’s Memorial Foundation.
Bill was an active supporter of Easter Seals since 1973 and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Easter Seals Society for nine (9) years. He co-founded and became Vice President of Dreams for Kids, an Illinois non-profit organization founded in 1990. He was a member of the Advisory Board of Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center, the Emerald Society, the Polish American Police Society, Italian American Police Association, St. Jude Police League, Medal of Valor Review Board, the Department of Employment Security Board of Review and President of the Sauganash Village Homeowners Association. Bill had guest lectured on union contract negotiations at multiple universities, including Northwestern and Harvard.
Over the course of his extensive career, Bill served on many committees and had been honored with many awards including: Man of the Year by the Emerald Society of Illinois, the President’s Award from the Retired Police Officers Association, the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission, Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center Recognition Award, Man of the Year by the Italian American Association and the Illinois State Bar Association Law Enforcement Award.
Bill loved being a police officer and helping others, but there was nothing that he loved more than his family. For a man of such stature, he would put the Mayor of Chicago on hold to take a call from any member of his family. He was loyal, kind, hard-working, sincere and a class act.
A private family Mass, due to the Coronavirus, will be held on April 24, 2020, with a memorial celebration of life to be held at a future date, at the FOP, Chicago Lodge #7 Hall, 1412 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate a donation to Easter Seals at: 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago IL, 60608, Attn: Barbara Zawacki. Everyone is encouraged to share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.defiorefuneral.com or cards may be sent to the funeral home at 10763 Dundee Road , Huntley, IL 60142
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Bill was one of the people who encouraged me to become involved in FOP. He encouraged involvement among others. My condolences to Bill's family and may he rest in peace. ????????????????
RIP an understanding compassionate and honest person who stood behind high standards and objectives and goals why we all joined CPD something that’s eroded with out a supporting voice from administration and those with whom we defended every day BK
Rest in peace Bill
To the Nolan family, my deepest and most sincere condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill through a mutual friend who introduced us. I also spent time with Bill on the Political Action Committee of the F.O.P. Bill was a true gentleman who would never think twice of helping one in need. God Bless Bill and his family.
Bill was one of the good guys and will be sorely missed by all he came in contact with. Rest in Peace my friend. Frank Jasch, Sgt. Ret'd CPD
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My Dad worked with him in Homicide in Area 4. He always referred to Bill as his “young partner!” I got the chance to meet Bill many times at various functions. He was always smiling and I also lit up whenever I saw him. Take care!
Saddened to hear the news this week. Sending prayers of comfort and strength for you and the family Carol.
Bill was instrumental in assisting the family of Sgt Jim Severin, EOW 07-17-70, over decades to assure the parole hearings signatures were collected and sent to Springfield. Bill became a personal friend of my Dad, William Severin, the brother of Sgt. Jim Severin. Bill Nolan was one of my families personal hero. God rest in peace, Bill, thank you for your wonderful help towards both the Severin and Rizzato family.
The epitome of a gentleman, that was Bill Nolan. As a Chief, none better. As a friend, none more loyal. My deepest condolences to his wife Carol and his family. Bill, you will be sorely missed. I thank you for your friendship, may you now walk with the Angels my friend.
My sincerest condolences to the Nolan family. Chief Nolan was the best R.I.P
I loved spending time with Bill. Witty and always helping someone or an organization. One of the best people I ever met. All my live to Carol and family from Jim & Breda McGing
My Deepest condolences to BILL's FAMILY. met Him in CPD / later He was our CCSD Chief. and was Always Truly Caring to Everyone. A good Menter too. He will Always be Remembered in our hearts. Take Care Dear Family* Our thoughts and ????????'s are with You All.
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man in so many ways. Prayers send. ????????????????
What a wonderful and distinguished life he led. The legacy he started is as strong as the man he was. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all family
Bill was a thoughtful and sincere person. His story telling was unique. He cared deeply for his law enforcement friends and most of all his family.
My prayers to the Nolan Famly, no doubt he is smiling as he always did and looking over his glasses. My old friend I’ve been blessed to know you in since the mid 70s RIP brother FOP14 Kane County
We are praying for you during this difficult time! Love you!
I am very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. While I didn't know him well, I had the pleasure of working with him on the Board of Directors of Easter Seals. I was inspired by his incredible commitment to the organization and his generous support. I will miss seeing him at Board meetings and Easter Seals events. RIP Mr. Nolan.
My condolence to the Nolan family. RIP my friend, your presence will be missed.
Carol and all, you’ve been through a lot with your Bill this past year. I’m sorry for this time of grief you’re all in now. It was always enjoyable to be with Bill, and I especially enjoyed his CPD street level stories from a very different era in policing a big city. May he know God’s peace now and forever.
So sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather. Was a wonderful person. May he rest in God's peace ???????????????????????? ????????.
Rest In Peace Bill. Thank you for all you did to support me in my time at Easter Seals. Always, always cheerful and smart. Street smart. With loads of common sense. Carol, thank you for loving that husband of yours. He sure loved you.
The last several years, since you & Carol moved here, have been a HOOT! Great friends, great people and Super Neighbors. We will, both, miss you at "Happy Hour" and say many prayers for you. Rest in Peace Dear Friend.
My dear Carol and the Nolan Family, May God's healing arms surround you during this difficult time and give you strength and peace to endure what lies ahead. The world lost a great man who loved life but most importantly loved you Carol and his family. May God hold you in the palm of his hand until we meet again. Rest in peace my dear friend!
Bill was a good man. I will miss his friendship and his opinions on the FOP. We did not always agree I I did value his opinion. He will be missed.
Just read such wonderful condolences to a wonderful special neighbor and friend. May the Lord Wray you Carol and family in His arms. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Loved that guy. RIP A life lived well.
Our sincere condolences to Carol and the Nolan Family.Bill was a great and special person to everyone he knew. Bill was an Easterseals board member since 1973 and we were blessed to have him as our Chairman of the Board for 9 years. He loved all of our clients, families and staff and worked very to help our families. Bill was instrumental in getting our school built and so happy we named our Donor Wall the "Willam J. and Carol Nolan Wall. We will miss you, Bill but we will keep Carol close to us at Easterseals....
To all the Nolan Family i am very sorry to here about the passing of Bill Nolan my deepest condolences to you all. My dad Tom was his first cousin & always spoke highly of Bill & his brothers & of growing up in Chicago with them. May he rest in Peace.
My deepest and sincerest condolences Bill was a great chief to me in my career and became a great family friend as well he will be missed forever. RIP my friend
Carol, My wife Elsie and I would like to express our deepest condolences to you and your family. The years Bill and I worked together were special and he will be missed. You all have our thoughts and prayers...Chuck
Bill was a caring leader who we were fortunate to have known through Bill’s work at Easterseals. He made so many lives better. He will be missed.
To Carol and the whole Bill Nolan Family and members of the Chicago Police Department & FOP we are truly sorry for the loss of Bill. Bill came to our Dunkin Donut Veterans coffee on Dempster Ave. in Niles, IL. and came down to our Vietnam Veterans of America Service to file a claim for Benefits. God Bless All of you on the loss of your Husband, Father, Grandfather and the Chicago Police Department and the FOP Lodge.
My sincere condolence to Carol and all of Bill's family. Bill had a way of making everyone he talked to feel comfortable and special. He was one of the classiest men I ever know and his presence on the Easter Seals board will be truly missed.
Dear Carol and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss of Bill. He was a gentleman always dedicated and committed in his service to the city of Chicago. We shall always remember his smile, his Irish wit, and great storytelling. We were blessed to have had him in our lives and fond memories shall always bring smiles to our faces. God Bless you, Carol, and your Family. With love and respect, Bob and Laurene Krone
My prayers and love go out to you and your family! Bill was an excellent man and I'm blessed to have been apart of his life. Love and support from all of us here.