Yes he was and always will be!
We all miss you Billy!
May your beautiful family find peace and happiness! God Bless you all. Regards, Chris.

Bill, I also miss you very much and think about you often. I still can't believe that I'll never get anymore of those long distant phone calls from you to just talk Stingrays and life. I'm so thankful for your friendship and your extreme thoughtfulness when I lost my wife almost three years ago. It's a lonely world these days for me, but I look forward to seeing you again and having many laughs! I'm taking good care of your Blue 64 Deluxe. See you again some day. Chris

Bill, Still thinking of you these several months later. Miss you, love you.

Denny Thompson

Sandy, I am so sorry, I haven't seen you guys in so long with being neighbors and all and now this. Now I feel I do need to talk to you guys. Love Marina

BTM(Billy the Mountain) You were one of the first neighborhood kids that my family met when we moved to Oak Park from Philly in 1972. We shared countless rides to the Folder for summer work. We saw some great concerts in Chi-town and at NCC. You were my Best Man in my 1979 wedding...And then we drifted apart, speaking occasionally on the phone over the years. When my sisters and mom saw you, Sandra, Trey and Kayla in Hinsdale several years ago, they said that you never appeared happier. Rest in Peace my friend and keep them laughing.

Dear Sandy and Family, My friend Mary Mattucci told me of Bills death. I was so sad to hear this.  About 6 or more years ago I was watching one of my kids playing soccer against an Oak Park team and this guy comes up to me and says he knows me from somewhere and I look at him and for some reason I say Bill Figatner? It had been about 25 years since I had seen him. No fair he looked the same to me. We laughed of course and talked about the gang from Horace Mann. I can only imagine your sadness. God Bless. Fran Molloy Jones, Downers Grove, Illinois

Figatner Family-

In my 20+ years of business I have not met a customer that I enjoyed spending time in his office more than his ...and just chatting sports, life, current events....Bill was great and I am sorry for your loss.
My thoughts are with you all.

Paul Knapp- Chicago

I am so sorry.  Although I only knew Bill from trips to the store, he was a good friend of my brother-in-law and he always talked about his children.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Harriet Hawkins Udelson

Sandy, Trey and Kayla, May I offer my deepest sympathies at the loss of your Husband/ dad/ all around good guy. Bill and I became friends in grade school when we met playing pop Warner football at Greenfield park. Bill was the biggest guy and I was the smallest, but that didn't matter at all to Bill because he was everybody's friend. He truly cared about people and it showed.Our friendship grew closer in high school as we shared many of the same interests, sports ,music and all things eccentric. Bill's openness was his true hallmark.He was passionate about so many things and shared it with everyone. I can honestly say he was one of my best high school friends. I moved to Montana to go to college, but we stayed in touch. Not by my doing, out of the blue Bill would call and it was as if we saw each other a couple hours ago. His total recall of our times together was astonishing, and we would laugh and laugh. The joy with which he lived his life is his legacy. Bill was all the good things you wanted in a friend rolled into one Big beautiful man. I hope with time the pain of Bill's untimely passing will fade and you will begin to heal, and like me rejoice in the time shared with him. I'm lucky to have been able to call him friend. All my love to the Figatner family and friends.

Dear Sandy, Trey and Kayla, We are so very sorry for the loss of Bill. He has been in our thoughts and  prayers ever since he first became sick. We will be thinking of you and the children often.    Your extended family in Florida.     MariJo and Rose Kaczmar

Dear Sandy, my sister, Mary Roe and I want to express our deepest sympathies to you and your family.  We have missed you everytime we have been in the candy store.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children at this time.

Bill wrote me a realy sweet note last year thanking me for teaching him math at OPRFHS. I really appreciated that he remembered me after all these years. He will be missed by many.

Sandy, Trey and Kayla, I will carry and cherish memories of Billy, always. I Know that the Force is with him.

Richard Hutner and Lena Motev

Dear Sandy: I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.   We were friends for 40 years and it doesn't seem possible that he is gone.  He will be greatly missed as will his infectious smile and laugh.  Please accept my deepest sympathy during this most difficult time.

I am at a complete loss for words regarding the most treasured friend that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Rest in Peace my great buddy- You are truly,buried among the pure- Bruce

Mrs. Figatner, Trey, and Kayla:  I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and father.  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I know you have wonderful memories to cherish.  

Sincerely,
Suzanne Williams (Speech-Language Pathologist, Roosevelt Middle School, River Forest, IL).

Dear Sandy, Trey and Kayla,
I'm so very saddened that you have lost this wonderful husband and father. Lots of tributes to his terrific smile, great sense of humor, always a friendly greeting.   I'll miss that too.
But I'll always remember Bill most of all for the love and caring he had for Trey and Kayla.  He would pick them up at Lincoln School in their earlier years and either drive or ride home on bikes with them.  Bikes only in good weather â€“ you know how he was about bikes. Trey would often come home with us or grandson Bobby would go home with them.  Bill always â€œchecked inâ€ to let us know how things were going at his end and made sure all was well at our end when Trey came home with us.  Never a problem at either end but it was always terrific of him to touch base.
You are so missed, dear Bill, but the love, guidance and strength you gave your children will stay in their hearts forever.

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

To the Figatner family: Bill will be terribly missed. But please take comfort during this time knowing that Bill was a good, loving guy from start to finish. Keep with you always the knowledge that Bill left behind a legacy of all that is good in the world. My guess is right about now he's popping a wheelie on a Lemon Peeler or an Apple Krate.

Dear Sandy and children,
We send your our deepest sympathies and prayers at this time of your loss.  Bill was such a wonderful guy, and though Tyler did not see him often, he thought so highly of him.  What a guy of deep integrity, warmth and loving guy.  He will be very missed and spoken of often when the bike buddies get together.  Our prayers are with you and the children as you move forward without him.  There is distance here, but Tyler wants you to know that the phone is on if you need something.  God Bless you and His peace be with you now and always.

Although I hadn't seen Bill in a while, I was saddened to hear of his illness and passing.  He was a fixture at many Thompson family gatherings and his constant smile and sense of humor were always a welcome sight.  My thoughts and sympathies are with Bill's family and friends.

I have not seen Bill in--it must be 10 or more years (last time at one of the OPRF reunions).  While we didn't stay in touch, we did reconnect on Face Book and he told me of his illness.  I responded, saying I knew he would face it with the courage and good-spirits I so remember him having in middle school when we were fellow students at Mann.  I moved to Mann in 6th grade and will always remember Bill as one of the few kids there who was immediately friendly to a new guy--6th grade is such a hard time to move.  I'm not remotely surprised to read all the tributes to him--I'm sure he remained the generous mensch he was back when we were all teenagers.  All my sympathies to his family and friends.

Bruce Henderson, Ithaca, New York

Dear Figatner Family,
I am so very sorry for your untimely loss. Billy was certainly a unique and special person. We had recently reconnected on facebook with many other Horace Mann"ites". What was the 1st thing he asked about but whether or not I still had these Go-Go boots from about the 4th grade. They were black & white spats with houndstooth patterned uppers. How could he remember these??? Truly an amazing guy. It was largely due to him that our classmates had not only 1, but 2 successful reunions recently.   He will be missed by many. It was an honor to know him and call him my friend. Bye, bye Billy...

Dear Sandy, Kayla and Trey,
We just heard about Bill's passing. We are so sorry about your loss. We will never forget seeing Bill at all the girls softball games. He was always smiling and cheering the girls on. You and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers.

To the Figatner family:
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to everyone. Bill was a great guy, a good father and we will always remember him by his wonderful humor - he always had a way of making us laugh. Our thoughts and prayers and with him.

Hey lady,  we are so sorry for your loss. You are definetly in our prayers during this very hard time. We love you!
                                                                                             Jamie and Danny

Bill was a good friend, a big personality and a great man. He will be sorely missed.

Sandra, 

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Stay strong and may memories of yours and Bills time together bring peace and strength during these difficult days. 

Take good care of those beautiful kids and doggies too.

I promise to cherish and honor Bills memory with that lovely Cotton Picker Billy loved so much.

Mrs. Figatner, Tray and Keyla. We are so sorry to hear about your loss, you and your family are in our prayers.
                                                  Barrera Family

My deepest condolences to the Figatner family. Your smile and infectious laugh will greatly be missed, big guy.

Bill, although we didn't get to spend a great deal of time together, the time we were in China to adopt our daughters still has some great memories with you and Sandra. The world lost a great person and you will be missed by all.         In our memories forever, Randy, Aleah, Bryanna and Cyanna Roseen

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  
We are so sorry to hear about your loss.

Fondly,
Bee Silvey, Carole Goldstein, Dale Fitting Dent, Pam Fainman

As mentioned before in Danny Foranny's message I lived in Forbes hall at the University of Illinois in the fall of 1975. I had an anthropology course that I was taking and was planning on studying that day while doing my laundry. Unfortunately I washed my book with my laundry and the book disintegrated in the wash. So as I beat my laundry against the wall this big dude came around the corner and ask what the heck I was doing, I explained and from that moment on Bill and I were best of friends. So for the next 35 years plus Bill and I would get together for concerts, birthdays and whatever, maybe once a year, maybe three or four times a year. Now that may not sound like a best friend but I always consider him one of my best friends. I knew he was sick and when I got the call from the Gov I knew it wasn't good. So I called Bill to tell him about how he was one of my best friends regardless of how many times we saw each other or how many times we talked to each, how much I loved him and how much he touched my life, I wanted to make sure he knew all of this. Well I didn't get to say any of those things because he said all of those things to me before I said one word, needless to say I could barely talk to him after that. Bill I love you and thank you for everything, you will always be with me.

Thomas “Batty” Wilbat

Bill I love you dearly. We had so many great times over the years and you always reminded me that family and friends are what life is all about. I'm sorry I can't be with you and your family at this time, but I will be with you in heart and soul forever. Sandy, you met a wonderful man and friend. Please be strong, he would have wanted it that way.
You will always be in my heart.
Raul

Condolences on your loss.  Our prayers are with the family...

Bill was a fun kid who grew up to be a wonderful husband and father and friend. It was an honor to have known him.

Sandy, Trey and Kayla. We are so very sorry to hear of your loss! All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. 

Dave & Gail Downey

My friend Bill 12 years ago i walked into the store only knowing very few things about painting and how to benefit from good quality paint. Too this day I still keep everything you taught me to heart. Thank you. You will always be a part of my business.condolences to the family.
BHS Building Services

Dear Figatner Family,
My thoughts are with you all. Bill was a wonderful, joyful, happy man. His ability to make people laugh and feel good was amazing. He will be missed, but remembered by all he touched. May your love and memories of him comfort you always.

You are an angel to him. You and the kids were his life.he loves you very much.

Dear Sandy and Family:

When Jim called me and left me the message of Bill's passing my heart broke.  Bill and I were friends since we were born and though we lived 1300 miles apart; when he would call me and even if it was for just 5 minutes to catch up I would always wind up laughing so hard my sides hurt.  I cannot begin to describe what his friendship meant to me.  I still cannot fathom this world without Bill.

Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers

Please accept my greatest sympathy Sandy.  You all are in my heart.  I love you so much.

Bill thank you for loving my sister and being "her guy", you were an amazing husband . Also thank you being the best father not only to Trey and Kayla but sharing that love with Sierra and Jackson.  You will always be in are hearts.

On behalf of the Camp Waupaca reunion group, (former summer campers and staff) may we offer our sincere condolences. may his memory be a blessing.

Dear Sandra, Trey, and Kayla,  We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

My sincere condolences to the Figatner family. Bill always greeted me with laughter and a good joke. A true gentleman.

Lynne, Sandy and All,
  Bill will always hold a special place in our hearts. So many wonderful baseball and soccer games enjoyed.
  We will never forget his laughter, pure joy and the pride Bill overflowed with when he watched his beloved children play.
  A true inspiration to us all. 
We will miss Bill dearly.
Our hearts and love are with you all.
Donna and Ken

Bill , I will always cherish the beautiful Blue Minty Stingray at the right in this photo that I bought from you a couple years ago ,You and I always loved Blue StingRays. I always loved the phone calls from you and talking about bikes. Im glad I was able to meet you and your family and see your beautiful home . I'll love you forever like a brother,
Your pal , Dave Woodruff " Mr Woodro"
Rest In Peace

 I lost one of my best friends and a man i consider a brother.He was one of the nicest men i have ever had the honor of knowing.Other then my father he is one of very few that i looked up to.I will miss everything about him and my heart goes out to the entire family. Love you Bill

Sandy,

My heart goes out to you and your family. We all prayed so hard. God has another good man in Heaven now.

Dear Sandy, Trey and Kayla,

I was very sad to hear about Bill.  We worked across from each other from 1988 ---  1993 and he made me laugh every day.  My husband, Hank and I will keep you in our prayers.    Maryann Polson ( the"old" bookkeeper)

Billy:

It's overwhelming how many people's lives you touched and filled with so many great memories of your incredible wit and sense of humor, your overwhelming adoration of your family, your dogs, and your bikes, and your overall zest for life. I guess that's the reason you always wore such a huge smile. I'm sure you're smiling once again as we all do every time we think of you and what a great guy, friend, husband, and dad you are.

Forbes Hall, Fall 1975 at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Tom Wilbat and I were friends from High School and roomates at the U of I. We lived down the hall from Bill. Bill had the corner "triple" room which was the coolest place to hang out in on the entire dorm floor. Bill made everyone feel special and so welcome when you came to hang out. He had a fantastic music collection and we would listen to all kinds of different music including rare Frank Zappa bootlegs and a acid-rock band from Greece called Aphrodites Child. Blew my mind! We had a very diverse floor and Bill was able to bridge the gap for all of us so we got to know each other a lot better than I ever could have done on my own. He had that special gift of being able to relate with everybody on their own terms and make us all laugh until we cried. What great times we had!! Bill introduced me to the Oak Park/River Forest area where my wife (Sue) and I decided to raise a family 20 years ago. My kids knew him as Big Bill but I knew him as one of the coolest, friendliest, frickin Hilarious dudes ever to cross my path. He gave my kids the coolest gifts such as a Schwinn Apple Krate backpack, Ratfink T-shirts and helped my son find a red Apple Krate StingRay to buy. Going over to Bills house and seeing his primo StingRay collection was like stepping through a time warp back to the 1960's when I used to lust over those bikes at Winklemans Schwinn bike shop in Arlington Ht's. I had a Green StingRay Fastback 5-speed as a kid which of course got stolen - Bill had the same bike in his collection except it was brand spankin new - Awesome to see!!! Getting together with Bill even in his last days always brought me back to a special place in my heart where we lived life at full speed and enjoyed every second with huge smiles on our faces. How many people at our age would talk you into going to see an Insane Clown Posse concert and getting sprayed with Faygo soda pop - did we really do that just a few years ago? Life was always a carnival when you hung out with Bill even when it included the Freak Show side of life which sometimes was the best part! Thank you, Bill for all those memories and I will truly miss seeing you riding around RF on one of your cool, tricked out bikes. You were simply, The Best!!!

Hey my brother, I don't know how I am going to get through the rest of my life not hearing your voice everyday! It's so not fair that my best buddy in the whole wide world was taken from me and your family and the countless number of friends!! I am so heartbroken and feel empty inside knowing I can't hear your voice. I miss you dearly! Words can never explain the bond and friendship we had my brother! I will be thinking of you everyday, luv you man forever! Johnny Cellini

Dear Sandy, Trey and Kayla so sorry to hear of your loss. Jim I am sorry to hear the news about Bill. He was always a good laugh. Just remember he will always be in your heart.

Pat {Mid America Offuice}

Hey Bill, many years of great Stingray memories my friend, your were a good man sir...rest in peace.

Dear Bill's family

Though we will be unable to join you for Bill's services know that you are in our hearts and prayers.  The loss of a loved one is always difficult but the loss of someone like Bill is a loss for all of us.  His quick smile and constant sense of humor brought enrichment to all of us who came in contact with him.

Dear Bill's family

Though we will not be able to join you for the service know you are in our hearts and prayers.  Loosing a loved one is always difficult but even more so when Bill enriched the lives of all he came in contact with.  His quick smile and constant sense of humor will be a loss to us all.

Dear Bill, I am going to miss all your wonderful long distant phone calls to talk about Minty Stingrays and life in general. Although we only met via the phone I considered you a great long time friend! I'll meet with you down the road someday. Your friend, Chris Terry (Fremont, Ca.)

Dear Sandy,  Trey and Kayla,
We are deeply sorry to hear about your loss.  We are thinking of you.  
TK, Padma, Meghana and  Sanjeev

Billy was taken from us waaaaay too soon.  It is with great fondness that I think back on all of the fun that we had and trouble that we caused as kids.  It seems like the little kid was always inside that big man with the big heart.  My sympathy to Billy's many friends and family.

My Good Friend Bill,

Words escape me when I try to describe the sense of loss I feel right now. I feel a sadness so deep my bones hurt. I will miss your incredibly intelligent sense of humor, your total recall of the past, your great laugh and beautiful smile. My life is better because you were in it. You touched so many people in ways you'll never know. Thank you for making me laugh and smile every time I saw you. I will miss you very, very much my good friend.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, And, flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!" 

I love you and will see you on the other side,
Jim Cantafio......."Bevo"

Sandy, I am so sorry to hear about Bill.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill R.I.P. Your the best friend any one could have had. Will miss your smile and laughter. Love Tina

OBITUARY

William A. Figatner

June 14, 1957 – December 29, 2011

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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