William James DiGirolamo, 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at his Near North Village residence.  Our beloved Bill was born on September 25, 1950, in Springfield, the son of William Diamond and Patricia Ann Mize DiGirolamo.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; nephew Ivan William Glasscock, step sister Dorothy Ann Cody, and 12 year feline friend, Abby.

Surviving are three siblings, Janice (Philip Tinsley) DiGirolamo of Athens, Madelynn DiGirolamo of Springfield, and Cathleen (Ivan) Glasscock of Springfield; and four nieces, Colleen DiGirolamo, Shelley Robbins Pethy, Janey Glasscock Brown, and Yvonne Glasscock--and many cousins, and Jim Vock for whom he was Guardian.

The North End’s 20th Street was where he grew up attending Lanphier and, later, Lincoln Land.  Bill worked at Hope School, and retired after 20 years from St. John’s Hospital having worked as a Nurse Technician and later as a purchasing clerk for the heart unit.  While at St. John’s Bill earned two achievement awards for his cost saving recommendations.

Bill’s life included many physical challenges, which did not define him, and about which he never complained or spoke.  Indeed, he felt that these challenges informed his life, teaching him about compassion and love, and inspired him to create a life of loving service and community among his many friends who like him continually worked to build a life that included physical challenges. 

Living alone, Bill took care of his own affairs and had many interests, including art, cooking meals with friends, an annual season ticket at Knight’s Action Park, season ticket for Springfield Sliders games, road trips to surrounding towns. He loved good food, family get togethers, taking and sharing photos, creating photo documentaries of new buildings erected in downtown area.

He expressed gratitude for the love and support from his family, and the caring assistance of Personal Assistants, and staff from Mental Health Center, 911 Service, Memorial Medical Center, and especially MHC’s Voices group.  Bill had served as a board member on SMTD, Springfield Center for Independent Living, as Republican Precinct Committeeman for Near North Village, and set up a food pantry in his apartment for those whose disability checks ran out before the end of the month.  Bill was a member of the Catholic faith.

The devotion that Bill felt for Near North Village and its residents cannot be over stated.  Bill walked without judgment through the world with faith, a big heart, and a warming smile; he was a model for good and making life better through numerous acts of kindness and generosity. The tapestry of his life was woven with love for and from others. 

Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home is handling cremation and final arrangements.  A memorial visitation with his family will be held at Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral on Friday, July 28, from 4:30 to 5:30.

Contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, Springfield Center for Independent Living, or MHC’s Voices group.

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