William E. McCarthy

Age 78 of Elwood, Illinois, died Friday, January 3, 2025 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois.

Born on March 2, 1946, in Joliet, Illinois, William was the beloved son of Edward and Virginia (Randolph) McCarthy. He was raised in Joliet, where he attended Joliet Township High School, graduating with the Class of 1964. He continued his education at Joliet Junior College, earning an Associate’s Degree.

Bill honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, stationed stateside during the Vietnam conflict. Following his military service, he dedicated his professional career to the Army Corps of Engineers, working as a Lock Operator at the O'Brien Lock and Dam until his well-earned retirement.

A devoted Chicago sports fan, Bill’s loyalty to the Blackhawks and White Sox was unwavering. Known for his calm demeanor and easy-going nature, he was a steady presence who rarely let emotions get the best of him. Bill had a knack for making others feel comfortable and was always ready with a quick joke to brighten someone’s day. He had a deep affection for animals, reflecting his kind and compassionate spirit.

Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, humor, and steadfast loyalty will remain in the hearts of those he touched.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon (Lepacek) McCarthy of Elwood, whom he married on December 26, 1979; one daughter, Amy Davisson, and two granddaughters: Ashley and Emily Davisson, all of Channahon, Illinois; two sisters, Paula (Mike) Beshoar and Pat Hanna, both of Morris, Illinois; brothers and sisters-in-law: John Lepacek of Ft. Myers, Florida, Linda Anderson of St. John, Indiana, and Barbara (the late Robert) Smolka and Terri (Bruce) Vollmer, both of Ft. Myers, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one niece, Shelly Smolka, and two nephews: Michael Beshoar and Thomas Hanna.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Monday, January 13, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street, in Wilmington on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Joshua Miller presiding and Deacon William Dunn assisting.

Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bill's memory to the family for their distribution.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Bill's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.