Francis Scott Willsey

Scott was an icon to his family, friends and community. Born in Pittsfield, Illinois, on May 25, 1935, to James and Sada Willsey, Scott was the baby of the Willsey pack. No matter where he was in the world—and he traveled everywhere—Pittsfield was always home.

He was a proud veteran. Scott enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1953, where he served as 2nd Lt. until 1956.

After the army, Scott continued a life of adventure, the greatest of which was his 64-year marriage to his soulmate, Kanella. He loved Kanella with every fiber of his being, and he spent every day trying to make her laugh. Their love was an inspiration to everyone who knew them.

Together, Scott and Kanella traversed every corner of the world—from across the United States to the plains of Tanzania, the Blarney Castle in Ireland, the Great Wall of China and everywhere in between. He earned the title of honorary Greek after his many visits to Kanella’s hometown of Leontari, Greece, where he loved nothing more than sipping coffee and eating watermelon on the balcony, overlooking the mountains around him.

He was a devoted dad to Jim, Niki, Dena and Francine, all of whom made him so proud.

When his own kids were grown, Scott became the ultimate papa. He created a world of wonder, curiosity and play for his eight grandchildren. He reveled in pool days spent grilling and eating Fudgesicles together. He was always eager to learn about the world around him, and he inspired his grandkids to do the same.

To be in Scott’s orbit was to be cherished for life. His decades-long friendships are a testament to his loyalty, kindness and generosity. Scott truly was the greatest friend. He took genuine interest in the goings-on of everyone around him, always asking questions to understand the passions of the people he loved most. He gave the best advice and was always the first to lend his support and cheer you on.

Scott was a pillar in the community, known for opening Barone’s of Glen Ellyn with Kanella in 1971. Thanks to his tireless hours in the kitchen, Barone’s remains an institution of pizza and togetherness more than 50 years later.

Scott showed us all the possibilities in life. He taught us to explore, to step outside and experience anything and everything that the world has to offer—especially if it includes a heaping bowl of ice cream at the end.

His spirit will live on in his wife, Kanella; children Jim Willsey, Niki Conforti, Dena Colie and Francine (Chris) Sorensen; grandchildren Tara (Brandon) James, Scott Willsey, George (Sara) Sorensen, Torey Willsey, Sophia (Erik Viager) Conforti, Niketas Sorensen, Neco Colie and Nicolette (Bradley) Jerse; great-grandchildren Madison, Carson and Asa; and his many, many friends. We will miss him dearly and think of him with every glass of Metaxa raised.

Visitation for Francis will be from 3-8 PM on Monday, December 9, at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Funeral Service will be at 10 AM on Tuesday, December 10, at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 2501 S Wolf Rd, Westchester, IL 60154. Interment to follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church.