Obituary of William John Bartolotta
William “Bill” Bartolotta, age 73, of Plainfield, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 13, 2025, in the presence of his loving family.
Born August 15, 1951, in Chicago, to Anthony and Edith (Lander) Bartolotta, he moved at an early age to Tinley Park, where he graduated from Carl Sandburg High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, serving four years of active duty, including deployment to Okinawa. He was the recipient of numerous awards and citations, and also played football and wrestled for the Marine Corps.
Bill enjoyed a rewarding career with W. S. Darley, designing and selling fire trucks and fire equipment throughout the country.
He followed his dream to become a coach, coaching football and wrestling at Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, where his athletes benefited from his guidance and encouragement, enabling them to excel.
Compassionate and understanding, Bill will be remembered for his strong work ethic, laid-back attitude, ballroom dancing skills, and silly dad jokes.
Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Scott) Bartolotta; five children, Anthony “Tony” (Caitlyn) Bartolotta, Morgan (Megan) Bartolotta, William “Billy” Bartolotta, Corrin Dwyer, and Nicholas (Denise) Dwyer; seven grandchildren, Kaelyn, Carley, Lylah, Elaine, Luna, Nora, and Brookelyn; his siblings, Allan (Carolyn) Bartolotta and Toni (Dave) Yadron; sister-in-law, Andrea Bartolotta; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edward Bartolotta; and niece, Valerie Bartolotta.
Services for William Bartolotta will be held Monday, June 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. Family and friends are invited to meet at the Cemetery Public Information Center at 9:45a.m.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
