William Clorindo Felicelli

William C. Felicelli passed away on May 23, 2026 at the age of 83. A beloved husband, Dad, Papa, friend and lifelong sports fan, he will be remembered for his deep family values and the enduring love story he shared with his cherished wife of 63 years, Joan.

Bill was born in Oak Park, IL in 1942 during World War II. While his father was drafted just afterward to serve overseas for three years, his mother moved back to the farm in Kenosha, WI where his beloved Nana, Nonno, and Uncle Mundo helped raise him. Bill’s foundation of family, faith, and hard work grew when his dad came back in 1945 and they settled in a close-knit Italian neighborhood with blue collar heart.

Sports were central to Bill’s life from the start. William “Woody” Felicelli passed on his passion for the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, sharing season tickets for decades with his son. (The 2016 Cubs and 1985, 2025 Bears brought special joy.) A natural athlete, Bill excelled in baseball and football; as a senior and standout lineman at Kenosha Bradford High, he was key to his team’s state championship in 1959.

It was during his senior year that Bill also met the love of his life, whose family moved just two doors down. Pretty and devout, 16-year-old Joan went to St. Joe Catholic High and planned to be a nun. Though his bowling didn’t impress, Bill’s good heart, manners, and faith paid off. The pair married on April 27, 1963.

After high school, Bill attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and played on the Warhawks’ line until a shoulder injury changed his focus. His aptitude for business and love of cars propelled a successful 47-year career in purchasing, beginning with Joan by his side at the American Motors Corp. in Kenosha, then Detroit.

Together, Bill and Joan always put raising their daughter, Lisa, and son, David, first. Bill loved family getaways to Wisconsin lakes and Mackinac Island and vacationing to Disneyland, the Grand Canyon and other adventurous places. He was an enthusiastic participant in his kids’ busy sports lives, from driving to swim meets every weekend to coaching Lisa’s softball team and being line coach for David’s junior high football team. He beamed watching Dave carry on his lineman’s legacy through Northville High School and Alma College.

Bill’s greatest delight was family. He celebrated the milestones and achievements of his son, daughter, and grandchildren with wholehearted pride, and looked most forward to the family’s annual golf outing. With Joan, he loved connecting through Fantasy Football, holiday meals, playing cards, and watching sports, the camaraderie they shared with friends and the support and peace they found through church.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Joan; daughter, Lisa (Randy) Prichard; daughter-in-law, Beth Felicelli; grandchildren Cameron (Alyse) Jensen, Eliza (Aaron) Hadley, Ava Jensen, Olivia and Dominic Felicelli; sister, Marianne Schiess; nephews Ted (Romina) Schiess, Dan (Rebecca) Schiess, and Tommy Richer; and nieces Susan Richer and Linda (Dave) Mills.

He is preceded in death by his beloved son, David Felicelli; parents William and Irene (Fani) Felicelli; mother-in-law, Elsie Moretti; father-in-law, Anthony Moretti; brother-in-law, Ted Schiess; and sister-in-law, Lucille (Tom) Richer.

The family extends a special thank you to the teams at Rose Garden in Grandville and West Michigan Hospice, who blessed Bill and his family with their compassionate care and support.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to service, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.