William “Bill” Lydon, 81, of Huntley, died peacefully, August 25, 2021, with his family by his side.
Bill was born July 29, 1940, the son of Coleman and Catherine Lydon. On September 10, 1960, he married his sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Carolyn Riffner. Bill worked hard all of his life, first in the sporting goods business and later for the Wall Street Journal, but his true passion was coaching. He coached at Queen of All Saints and made many impactful connections with his students and continued to provide mentorship off the field and court.
Besides being a Cubs fan, Bill was an avid golfer, finding his peace (and sometimes ire) on the golf course. He loved playing with his family and friends. His brother, son, and best friend frequently made up his foursome. When taking time to relax at home, you’d usually find him watching his Cubbies on tv or catching players teeing off from his kitchen table, as he had fulfilled his dream and made it to Del Webb where he had a great view of the 5th hole. The move to Del Webb fostered many great friendships throughout the later years for him and Carolyn.
Bill’s greatest joy was his family, and he truly adored all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He treasured a lifelong brotherhood with his childhood friends that continued through all his days, and now he will be welcomed by those who proceeded him. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carolyn, his caring children, Michael (Susan) Lydon, Bill (Kathy) Lydon, Karen (Jeff) Fredrickson, and Sharon (Bob) Horvath. His doting grandchildren, Tara (Chris), Ashley, Shaina (Doug), Breanna (Danny), Kevin (Jade), and Kendall. His great grandchildren, Max, Cruz, Camden, Etta, Bryce, Gio, Dahlia, Rowan, and Liana, and by his siblings, John (Paulette) Lydon, Michael, Kathy (Norm) Kehl, Peggy (Tom) Kleinschmidt, Pat (Karen) Lydon, Dan (Mary Lou) Lydon and Jim (Tyra) Lydon and by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021, from 3-7pm DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be private later. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Its been a privilege knowing you and Carolyn all these years at Sun City Del web. You are such a caring, loving, compassionate and friendly person and every one who came across and had the opportunity to know you will always treasure and value your friendship . You are now at peace , free from pain and enjoying the heavenly place that you very much deserved. God Bless and my sincerest condolence to the family. God loves you> Rest in Peace.
A wonderful friend always blessing us with his wisdom, joy and great sense of humor. It was a pleasure to know him. Thank you to Carolyn and his family for sharing him with us for all these years.
Carolyn, we are so very sorry for your loss. We were so blessed to have had the opportunity to know you both, and had so much fun playing golf with the two of you. We’ll always be grateful for the privilege of knowing Bill. Sending love and hugs.
I will always remember your big smile and your sense of humor along with great stories you had to share. Sol and I treasure the day we became family. You are now in the arms of the angels. You will be missed.
Sure will be missed a great sweet guy whom we have known in previous days and came across in our life in Sun City. Was great how you played golf with the TGIF players and played good. You will be truly missed God bless you and hold you in the palm of his hands
Uncle Bill will be truly missed. He could always make me laugh!!!
My “Big Brother Bill”. He could brighten up a room just walking into it with his smile. He could wake up a room with his laugh. He could make strangers feel like a friend in his home (even my first boyfriend)! If something wasn’t right between you and he—he never quit til he made it right. He will be missed but his work on earth was done and he was tired. He and Carolyn raised a beautiful family which is his legacy to all of us. Rest my Big Brother and please save me a seat. Love, Your Little Sister
I cannot speak so I will write. Bill is my big brother, my best friend, & my biggest fan. We never had any sibling rivalry, he always taught me, instructed me, cheered me, and complimented me on anything I would attempt to accomplish. I will miss him more than my words can express.
ISo sorry for your loss. I believe I only met you once but felt your love between the two of you. He sounds like such a wonderful guy. If he was anything like is sister Peggy, he was. May he Rest In Peace
Uncle Bill will be missed! He would always make us laugh. I’m sure Mark and Uncle Bill are scheduling tee times right now. God Bless! Love, Clara, Max and Arianna Lydon
My brother Bill made the best decision of his life 61 years ago when he convinced Carolyn to marry him. From this union four loving, intelligent, responsible, and contributing children were born. Many grand and great grand children followed. My brother was a very special person all my life. Whenever, I needed advice, a listening ear, encouragement, or help he was all available. Sadly, sometimes I didn't agree but happily sometimes I did. My brother stood next to me, in front of me in some strange, difficult and funny situations. Too many to mention here. These situations would be a six beer pack stories and as unique ask his back swing. My brother, when it is my time to join you in heaven, please include me in your foursome. Bill, my brother, my friend, please keep looking after all of us. I will always miss and love you...John
Sincere Sympathy to the Lydon Family. My prayers are with you.
Bill was our coach. When we exchanged thoughts on his passing the same themes came up: role model, tough, fair, kind, and making us better athletes and better people. Although Bill had more than his share of success in leading us at Queen of All Saints (I know of at least 2 undefeated football teams and several basketball championships), it wasn't just about winning. Playing with class, discipline, sportsmanship and respect were things he ingrained in us. On the lighter side, there were also his trademark sayings: "Pass on the jump shot!! Drive to the basket!!" Although the "a" in "Pass" might have been a different vowel:) Mrs. Lydon (Carolyn) coached cheerleading and the kids were frequently at Queens helping out and playing. I remember that green station wagon with wood paneling parked in front of the gym. They all gave much more than they received. I had the fortunate opportunity to assist him in coaching when I was in high school and continued to learn from him. Another of Bill's sayings, voiced after an episode of parents behaving badly: "John, there are no bad kids; there are just bad parents". While there might be some exceptions to this, I remembered it and how Bill reached out to help any way he could. I have also reflected upon it while raising our kids and hope we come somewhere close to what Bill and Carolyn have done. Our heartfelt condolences to the Lydon family. And to Bill: there are at least five of your players from our year up there already looking for a great coach.
If I only was given two words to describe my Big Brother Bill they would be ROLL MODEL. Thank you BILL. GOD BLESS YOU. Thanks for being my BROTHER.
To the Lydon family: I had the good fortune of playing football and basketball for "Coach" Lydon at Queen of All Saints in the 7th and 8th grade. Before I met Coach, I was a fragile kid that lacked self confidence with very low self esteem. Under the mentorship of Coach Lydon, he had this unique ability and blend of discipline, respect, passion and humor that was infectious and instilled in us a sense of teamwork, When I made a mistake, he was never demeaning and always used it as an opportunity to teach and grow. The fact that I had ordinary talent made no difference to him. I can still hear his voice, exclaiming "Eddie!" whether I made a good block or tackle or flubbed a pass to a wide open player on the basketball court. Coach Lydon made me want to be better at my position. I wanted to show him that I cared and he would always notice and look me in the eye and say, "atta boy" or ""good job!". My only regret is that I never had the opportunity to personally express my gratitude to Coach Lydon for all that he did for me during a very impressionable time in my life. So to the Lydon family I express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather with me. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and kindness. He was truly a great man and his loss is felt by many more than you know. He is surely resting in peace. With love and gratitude, Ed Foran
To the Lydon family: I had the good fortune of playing football and basketball for "Coach" Lydon at Queen of All Saints in the 7th and 8th grade. Before I met Coach, I was a fragile kid that lacked self confidence with very low self esteem. Under the mentorship of Coach Lydon, he had this unique ability and blend of discipline, respect, passion and humor that was infectious and instilled in us a sense of teamwork, When I made a mistake, he was never demeaning and always used it as an opportunity to teach and grow. The fact that I had ordinary talent made no difference to him. I can still hear his voice, exclaiming "Eddie!" whether I made a good block or tackle or flubbed a pass to a wide open player on the basketball court. Coach Lydon made me want to be better at my position. I wanted to show him that I cared and he would always notice and look me in the eye and say, "atta boy" or ""good job!". My only regret is that I never had the opportunity to personally express my gratitude to Coach Lydon for all that he did for me during a very impressionable time in my life. So to the Lydon family I express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather with me. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and kindness. He was truly a great man and his loss is felt by many more than you know. He is surely resting in peace. With love and gratitude, Ed Foran
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I met him as a classmate at De Paul Academy and I would see him occasionally over the years. Always a joy to meet with Bill. A great guy who will be missed. I am sending a contribution to the Parkinson's Foundation in his memory. My condolences to Carolyn and all the family. his memory. My condolences to Carolyn and all the family.
My condolences go out to Carolyn and all the family I’m so very sorry for your loss God bless you all.
I have been trying to find Coach Lydon for years and I am very sorry to hear about his passing. Great guy, great coach, and he will be sorely missed at the QAS '74 50th reunion in 2024. R.I.P.
Bill, my brother-in-law was always available to coach, mentor and help young people. Therefore, to keep his name, legacy and good thoughts going for years to come, I made a donation to DePaul College Prep,Tom Kleinschmidt's Endowed Scholarship Fund. This fund provides help to deserving young people...this is one thing that Bill stood for.
Just learned about Bill’s death. The Bubbas will miss you Bill. You weren’t a great golfer ( none of us were) but we had a lot of fun and you didn’t take too seriously. RIP my old friend. Jim & donna