William Joseph Dormin

1933–2025

William J. Dormin, 92, of Park Ridge, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving and devoted family.

Born in Chicago on May 13, 1933 to William and Jane Dormin, Bill grew up in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago. He graduated from Fenwick High School and attended Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years. Upon returning home, he married his beloved Pat, the love of his life, moving to Park Ridge where he raised his family. They celebrated their 69-year wedding anniversary last April.

Bill was a devoted husband and the proud father of five children: John (Ann), Thomas (Mary), James, Mary Pat, and Kathleen. He was “Papa” to seven cherished grandchildren: Matthew Smith, Emily (Martin) Gallagher, Kyle Smith, Michael Dormin (of blessed memory), Lizzy Dormin, Megan (James) Malles, Amy (Alejandro) Anderson, and an adored great-grandfather to Nora and Emmett, with whom he shared precious time in his final years. He is survived by his sister, Maureen DiCola.

In 1957 Bill began what would become a nearly forty-year career as a paper salesman with Messenger Paper Company. Over the decades, as the company grew and changed names, Bill had a vast knowledge of fine papers and earned the deep respect of his customers.

Bill retired in 1996, which brought him the freedom to do the things he enjoyed. An avid and accomplished golfer, he spent countless days on the course. His keen eye behind the camera lens helped him capture breathtaking Michigan landscapes, radiant sunsets, and tender portraits of family and friends that will be treasured for generations. Bill enjoyed watching Cubs games and Notre Dame football. He loved spending time in Galena, Michigan, Savannah and Palm Desert, California. He enjoyed working out and seeing his friends at his health club and he attended Mass regularly.

The family endured an unimaginable sorrow with the death of Bill’s grandson Michael at age 21 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. That loss left a permanent ache in every heart. Now Bill is reunited with Michael, with his parents, his sister Barbara, and the many loved ones waiting to welcome him home.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street in Des Plaines. On Wednesday, December 10, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 320 S. Washington Avenue in Park Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Carmelite Monastery located at 949 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, IL, 60016, or Evans Scholars Foundation of the Western Golf Association, 2501 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026.