William 'Bill' J. Payne, adoring husband and best friend to Bonnie Payne (nee Zanca) married for 33 years, proud and devoted father of William J. Payne III (Caila Ryan) and James E. Payne, left us too soon on February 26, 2024, at the age of 64. Although his life has come to an end, he will be remembered as an intelligent, funny, kind, and compassionate person.

He is also survived by his sister Patricia (the late Charles) DelGrande, and his brothers Thomas Payne, and John (Julie) Payne; his mother-in-law, Judith (the late Jerome) Zanca, his brother-in-law's, Bruce (Michelle) Zanca, John (Dawn) Zanca, and David (the late Lauren, loving sister of Bonnie) Carney, 12 nieces and nephews, his cousin and best friend Steve (Barbara) Foley Jr and many cousins of the Dhamer, Foley, Meyenberg, Cholewa and Sasicki families. He was also the godfather and "uncle" of several nieces, nephews and family friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy June (nee Meyenberg) Payne, and his numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Born in Chicago, he moved to Mount Prospect when he was in grade school with his parents and siblings. He graduated from Forest View High School in 1977, followed by the University of Illinois in 1981, where he was a member of the TKE Fraternity. During these years he forged lifelong friendships, most notably with James (Denise) Curley, Michael (Mary) Sullivan, Timothy (Ila) Brouder DDS and the late James Beckman. He received his JD from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and passed the Bar Exam in 1984.

For 38+ years he was a well-respected Attorney in Mount Prospect and Des Plaines. He concentrated his practice in Real Estate, Wills and Estate Planning. For nearly his entire career he served as the Attorney for the Rosemont Park District and in recent years was actively involved with Elk Grove Village. With the help of his dedicated assistant Judy Hluchy, and his wife Bonnie, he prided himself on serving the families and municipalities of the northwest suburbs.

A lifelong Cubs and Bears fan, Bill loved all sports, but football above all else. For over a decade, he was a youth football and baseball coach in Palatine, first coaching his sons, before continuing on for many more years with his friends Coach Q (Dick (Debi) Quagliano) and later John (Kathy) Walsh. He loved golfing with his family and friends, and looked forward to the annual family Lake Koshkonong Scramble on July 4th (his favorite holiday) where he would write a blistering newsletter to intimidate the competition. The patio outside of Mr. D's at Arlington Park was his favorite spot to see family, friends and clients. He loved Friday and Saturday afternoons in the summer watching the ponies. Lastly, his legacy is incomplete without mentioning, as he often unprompted would, he was the 7th grade MVP of the 1972 Holmes Jr. High basketball team.
Visitation, Sunday March 10, 2024, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Ryan Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy. (2 blks. S. of Touhy), Park Ridge. Family and friends will meet at St. Paul of the Cross Church, 140 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge, on Monday, March 11, 2024 for a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Bill by considering donations to his favorite Charities: Northern Illinois Food Bank, 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva, IL 60134, SolveHungerToday.org or Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, 721 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654 https://luminate.catholiccharities.net

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Ryan-Parke Funeral Home

Updated by : Bonnie Payne

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March 2, 2024

Russell M Pollard lit a candle

“In loving memory of William J. Payne, With deepest sympathies to the Payne family and friends. Even though it’s been awhile, I still have many fond memories of Bill. May his spirit live on.”

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4 people wrote a message from the heart

March 8, 2024

Lora Lewis wrote a sympathy message

“To the Payne family Sending our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time to you all. So many fond memories in those early PAFA years with Bill and Bonnie. Again we are so sorry Love, Rob and Lora Lewis”

March 4, 2024

John Campobasso wrote a sympathy message

“My deepest condolence to The Payne family. I knew Bill in High School However got to know him better since 2015. I used Bill as my Main Real Estate Attorney and referred him to many Clients over the years. Bill was a awesome attorney and my clients were extremely satisfied with his service and knowledge. I got reacquainted with Bill, sometimes seeing him at Arlington Park with other friends we all went to school. with, but mainly thru work Bill will be missed by many he touched so many hearts”

March 3, 2024

Kat DelGrande wrote a sympathy message

“I'll never forget the sight of Uncle Bill in Aunt Helene's wheelchair during the winter of 2009/2010. It was during a holiday party at our house on Hermitage. Down in the basement, Uncle Bill was gleefully zipping down the marble hallway, pulling off moves like he was in a "Tokyo drift" race. He was the epitome of sarcasm, fun-loving spirit, care, and logic all rolled into one. The Man, The Myth, the Legend (Love you forever, Uncle Bill)”