William J. Burns Jr.

A viewing and celebration of life for William (Bill) J. Burns Jr., 88, of Palatine, will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Palatine, 342 W. Wood St. Palatine, IL 60067. A Mass and Inurnment will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Palatine, 342 W. Wood St. Palatine, IL 60067.

Bill passed away quietly on July 12, 2026, at his residence in Palatine, Illinois. He was born on January 31, 1938, in Northport NY, to William James and Esther Rose Burns. Growing up in Northport he was into Stamp Collecting, Photography, and Scouting. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was able to go to Philmont Scout ranch in New Mexico. He was also a Brooklyn Dodgers fan.

After graduating from Delaware Valley College in Pennsylvania and earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in food technology, he served in the Army stationed in Chicago, IL. Where he met Helen Ann Marsala, fell in love and they married on April 20, 1963. Upon discharge from the Army, he worked for the Quaker Oats Company in Barrington, Illinois for over 35 years. They have lived in Palatine, Illinois for the past 60 years.

Bill and Helen had four boys, William James III, Robert Allen, Jonathan Stuart, and Timothy Andrew. He passed down his love for scouting to his boys and was a leader and a big part of Troop 69. He went on campouts and meetings whenever he could. He was a devoted family man who loved spending time and celebrating with his children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always there for concerts, plays and games. He had a passion for photography and was always taking pictures at all our events and celebrations.

He was a kind and generous man wanting to pitch in wherever he was needed. He has been a part of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Palatine for 60 years. He was a part of the Green Thumb Committee, The Tuesdays Group and was an Usher. One of his proudest moments was getting and putting in the fountain and maintaining it for all to enjoy.

Bill and Helen loved to travel. They have visited all seven continents. They loved nature and were birding enthusiasts. They took trips to see in the wild, Polar bears, Komodo Dragons, Tasmanian Devils, Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Orangutans, Koala bears, Penguins and Rhinos. He loved to show off his pictures and put together photo albums of their trips, all the family events, and the holidays.

Bill also loved going to the plays in downtown Chicago, he was a subscriber of the Goodman Theatre for over 30 years, the Shakespeare Theatre, and the Symphony. He loved going to try new restaurants and different cuisines. He loved jazz music and would go out to the different jazz clubs; Patricia Barber was a favorite musician.

Coming to the Chicago area Bill was a Chicago Bears and a Cubs fan who loved going out to a game whenever he could. He also loved to watch college basketball.

Bill took great joy in getting the house decorated for the holidays. Especially Christmas putting up the tree, adding ornaments, and really loved setting up at least two trains, an electric one and his first wind up train under the tree with accompanying village. Having family over for the holidays was always an event with elaborate meals, gifts and pictures!

Bill has lived a great life full of joy, passion, the love of Helen, his children, their wives, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Everyone adored and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his son Robert Allen and is survived and remembered fondly by his wife Helen; his children (and spouses): William III (nee Geri Hubbard), Jonathan (nee Annette Enskat), and Timothy (nee Terri Remsik); 8 grandchildren: Jessica, William IV, Zoe, Sage, Lee, Tia, Matthew, and Nicholas; 4 great grandchildren: Aurora, Sadie, Lucy and Lola.