William H Burgess

William "Bill" Burgess, 79, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, in Niles, Illinois. Born on July 20, 1946, in Putnam, Connecticut, Bill lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and steadfast dedication to his family and country.

After graduating from high school in 1964, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned 23 years. Rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant, he served with honor and distinction during the Vietnam War and beyond. His exemplary service was recognized with two Air Force Commendation Medals for meritorious achievement—first from November 12, 1977, to November 30, 1980, and again from September 3, 1984, to July 31, 1987. Throughout his military tenure, Bill embodied the values of discipline, integrity, and commitment.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Bill continued to serve his community as a taxi dispatcher in the Chicagoland area for approximately two decades. In this role—as in all aspects of his life—he was known for his reliability and strong work ethic.

Though reserved by nature and a man of few words, Bill expressed his love through action rather than speech. He was deeply compassionate and protective of those he cared about. His kindness was evident not only in how he treated others but also in the quiet ways he supported and uplifted those around him.

Bill had a lifelong passion for sports. Whether it was NASCAR roaring across the track or a tense tennis final, he found joy in watching nearly every sport imaginable—football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, golf—and took great pleasure in following teams and collecting memorabilia that reflected his enthusiasm.

He also enjoyed reading—a pastime that offered him both knowledge and solace—and took pride in curating collections that spoke to his interests and memories.

Bill’s most extraordinary devotion was to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kwi Sun Burgess; daughter Melissa Burgess; son-in-law Joseph Rodriguez; grandson Anthony Rodriguez; sister Debra Burgess; brother-in-law Moon Kyu Lee; sisters-in-law Shin Ae Lee and Shin Hi Kim; nephews Jason Burgess, Scott Burgess, Jong B Lee, and Jong M Lee; nieces Kyung Kim, Julia Kim, and Natalie Kim.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold H. Burgess; mother, Rita M. Burgess; and brother, Ronald T. Burgess.

William "Bill" Burgess will be remembered as a loyal serviceman, a devoted family man, and a gentle soul whose actions spoke volumes. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Memorial Service will be held at Citadel at St. Benedict on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 10:00am, 6930 W Touhy Ave, Niles, IL. An Inurnment immediately will follow at Fort Sheridan, Lake Bluff, IL.