The legal and civic communities of Illinois mourn the peaceful passing of William S. Hanley, who died at home on December 8, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on June 4, 1939, in Chicago to William M. Hanley and Dorothy Hanley, William grew up in a vibrant North Side neighborhood near Wrigley Field on Berteau Avenue, adjacent to a historic pickle factory.
His childhood unfolded amid the lively energy of the city, where he attended St. Benedict Parish School and graduated in 1957. This formative period in Chicago instilled in him a deep appreciation for community, tradition, and the bustling rhythm of urban Midwestern life that would shape his lifelong pursuits.
William pursued higher education with distinction, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame in 1961. He continued his studies at the prestigious University of Chicago School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1964. Admitted to the Illinois Bar that same year, he launched his legal career at the respected Chicago firm Kahn, Adsit and Arnstein, where he honed his skills in a demanding professional environment.
In 1970, William married Nancy J. Fahrnkopf at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the Notre Dame campus, beginning a remarkable 55-year marriage characterized by mutual support, shared faith, and enduring companionship. Together, they relocated to Springfield, Illinois, where they raised their two sons, William and Michael, in a modest family home on the serene shores of Lake Springfield.
During his time in Springfield, William served as Legislative Counsel to Illinois Governor Richard B. Ogilvie from 1969 to 1972, contributing significantly to state policy during a pivotal era in Illinois governance. He also held a prestigious Ford Foundation Fellowship and was affiliated with the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois. These roles showcased his expertise in government affairs and his dedication to advancing public administration, earning him respect among colleagues and policymakers alike for his integrity and thoughtful approach to complex issues.
William’s life reflected a harmonious blend of professional accomplishment, family devotion, and a quiet appreciation for the places and people that mattered most to him. From his Chicago roots to his Springfield years and beyond, he maintained strong connections to his heritage, faith, and loved ones. His 86 years encompassed a journey of learning, service, and steadfast relationships that left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to share in his world.
A Memorial Reception will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, where friends and family are invited to gather for conversation and refreshments. William will then be laid to rest at Lake Fork Cemetery in Atwood, Illinois. In remembering William S. Hanley, the community pays tribute to a life well lived—one marked by academic excellence, dedicated public service, profound family love, and an enduring legacy of quiet strength and kindness that continues to inspire all who knew him.