William J. Nurczyk Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

William was born in Joliet in 1937, to William J. Nurczyk Sr. and Catherine Nurczyk (nee Kirincich). He was a proud graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, class of 1955. A lifelong resident of Joliet, with the exception of a retirement home on Lake Barkley in Cadiz, KY. He and Verna made many lifelong friends in Joliet and Kentucky, as well as their location in Reddington Shores, Florida, where they spent their winters for 19 years.

Upon graduation, William began his career with Ironworkers Local #444 in Joliet and retired in 1998 after 42 years of service. He was instrumental in the formation of the Apprentice Program in Local #444, with his dear friend and co-worker, Eldon Lafever.

William was devoted to his wife, sons, and grandchildren. He was active as a coach and scorekeeper at Marycrest Little League, West Side Goltz Park Pony League, Joliet Park District Hockey, and many others. A devoted Joliet Catholic Football fan, he attended many games on Friday nights until his health just didn't allow him to go anymore. He and Verna decided to move back to the area once the grandchildren became active in sports. They just couldn't bear to be away from the sidelines, and supporting the grandchildren, and great grandchildren at their game and activities.

William was active at their Shorewood home within the Shorewood Glen community. A regular at the indoor pool when the doors opened at 5 AM, he swam laps 5 days a week until Covid regulations prevented this activity. He was a fixture within the community, lending a helping hand to anyone in need, as well as being a block representative. Member of Holy Family Church in Shorewood, where he attended daily mass for years.

Preceded in death by his parents, William J. Sr. (1994), and Catherine (nee Kirincich) 2010, and brother, Thomas (1993).

William is survived by his wife of 63 years, Verna (nee Sarver); sons, William G. (Melissa) Nurczyk, and Michael A. (Kelly) Nurczyk. "Papa" was grandfather to Megan (Michael) Grohar, Andrew (Megan) Nurczyk, Christopher (Callie) Nurczyk, and Eric (Kate) Nurczyk; great grandchildren, Paige, Alaina, and Sawyer Grohar, and Clare and Nolan Nurczyk; siblings, Ronald (Joan) Nurczyk, James (Susan) Nurczyk, and Gerald Nurczyk. Also survived by his dear lifelong friend, Richard Worland of Olney, IL. Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Visitation for William will be held Tuesday, January 31, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lightways Hospice will be appreciated.

For more information, please call 815-725-0100 or visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com.