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William Gainer Obituary

Gainer, William "Bill" After a wonderful life, William "Bill" Gainer passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 16, 2019, surrounded by his loving wife, Gerry (nee Lennon); his children, Bridget (Dennis Kibby), Nora (Ferdia Doherty), Billy, Maureen (Eamon Reilly), Mary (Peter Wentzel), and Sheila (Patrick Griffin); and 17 grandchildren, Finn, Lily and Mary Kibby, Bebhinn, Aonghus and Maude Doherty, Ella and Will Gainer, Noreen, Brendan, Jack and Owen Reilly, Rohan, Cormac and Fiona Wentzel, and Patrick and Geraldine Griffin. Bill and his six brothers and sisters were born and raised in Roseland; Dorothy (the late Hal) Henson, Robert (Christine) Gainer, Patricia (Donald C.P.D. ret.) Wood, the late Daniel C.P.D. ret. (Patricia), Rosemary, and Thomas Gainer, USMC; favorite uncle of many nieces and nephews. After serving in the U.S. Army, Bill worked for AT&T for nearly 50 years. He started at the top of a telephone pole as lineman and never wavered from his commitment to working men and women. Bill's life outside of work was just as fulfilling. He was devoted to Misericordia and Mercy Home as both a Board Member and supporter. He served on the Southside Irish Parade Committee since its inception and was an active member of the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago. He also brought his love of Irish heritage to found and chair the Galway/Chicago Sister City and Cork/Cook County Partnership. Visitation will be Thursday, March 21, 2019, at St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, from 3:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet directly at St. Barnabas Church on Friday for Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 North Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL. 60660 or Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL. 60607. Arrangements entrusted to Donnellan Funeral Home. Info: (773) 238-0075 or sign guestbook at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com.



Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Mar. 19, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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We were sad to hear of Bill's passing. Bill was a terrific person and friend. He was always there to help and offer advice. The world would be a much better place with more people like Bill Gainer.

Chuck & Margaret Hagopian
Chicago, Illinois

May 5, 2019

We are so saddened to hear about Bill and offer our deepest condolences to the Gainer family. May you draw close to God during this difficult time and he will draw close to you.

Fred G

March 23, 2019

We are so sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was an exemplar of the finest qualities in Chicago's Irish community. Throughout his long career, his innate dignity earned him respect everywhere. His many friends in Ireland will always remember his kindness and generosity which helped sustain Ireland's historic bonds with Chicago and Illinois.

We offer our deepest condolences to Gerri and to all his family on their great loss.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá h-anam uasal.

Charles and Alice Sheehan

March 22, 2019

Bill was a legend and a true friend of Ireland - he will be greatly missed...

Condolences to Gerry and the family.

Mary Pat Flanagan ( Tommy Ryan )

Mary Pat Flanagan

March 22, 2019

Bill you will be missed by all your pals from South Construction ... whenever you called in the middle of the night, I knew it wasn't to say how good service was for one of your many contacts, but rather someone needed a quick response and you were always there to help ... a true "Telephone Man".

Glenn Kasprzyk

March 22, 2019

Happiness cannot be traveled to be owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.

Bill Gainer effortlessly exuded this to everyone who was fortunate to cross his path. Gone but never forgotten. RIP

Tony Duffy

March 22, 2019

Glenn Kasprzyk

March 22, 2019

We will all miss Mr. Gainer; he touched so many lives. We will always love him, our prayers are with you, the family.

Colin and Rose Whitehorne

March 21, 2019

To the Gainer family, so sad to hear the news of Bill's passing. What a wonderful man, larger than life and love able. A true friend to Ireland. It was my privilege to know Bill and his wonderful family when I was in Chicago. It seems like yesterday... Fiona Flood

March 21, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. He was a great guy and will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire
Gainer Family.

Phil Mesi and Family

Phil Mesi

March 21, 2019

Bill was a man's man's. Until we meet again on the field, can't wait for that first pitch from you my friend. Smiity

Robert Smith

March 21, 2019

Pat and Mike Shymanski

March 21, 2019

I am so sorrry to learn today of the passing of Bill. I had the pleasure of knowing him through my years in state government and having had the opportunity to work with him through the Irish Fellowship Club and the Galway Sister City Commitee. He always had a smile and a great laugh. He was fortunate to have a strong and loving wife and a wonderful family. May the Gainer family find strength and peace with each new day. My prayers and sympathy are with you at this time.Donna Mulcahy Fitts

Donna Mulcahy Fitts

March 21, 2019

Sorry to learn of Bill's passing, he was a true south side Irish legend, a perfect example of how a great husband, a great father and a loving grandfather should live his life, God, Family and Friends, that was Bill's life, we are blessed to have known Bill. Rest In Peace my friend. Yes Bill I will keep my promise and return to Tuam.

T Tracy

March 21, 2019

Condolences to the entire Gainer family on the loss of such a wonderful guy. Have very fond and delightful memories of Bill that I will cherish forever. He was admired and respected for his complete devotion to his family, friends, faith, and community. Ill forever be grateful for his friendship and encouragement over the years. He will be remembered and he will be missed.
Rest in Peace, Billy my lad.

John Honan

Friend

March 21, 2019

The Gainers,

I was a friend of Bill's during our high school years. Sorry to hear that he has passed on. He was a good guy in the fifties.
Appears he remained a good guy for the rest of his life.

Jim Reilly

March 21, 2019

Remembering Bill Gainer with much respect and appreciation for the genuine friend and supporter he was. Condolences to beloved Gerry and Bill's entire, beautiful family. Love and Prayers.

Joan Thomas

March 21, 2019

My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.

Z L

March 21, 2019

Meredith O'Connor

March 20, 2019

A fine man. A good man. A good heart. A friend. A twinkle in his eye and a smile playing on his lips are my thoughts of Bill. Just a great human being. Enriched many with his kindness and friendship.

Tom Frost

Friend

March 20, 2019

Dear Gerry and Family,
Jim and I send are condolences, love and prayers to you. Bill was so kind, funny, loving and thoughtful to everyone. When the Sox were headed to the World Series, Bill told Jim and our son, Michael, if the Sox make it to the World Series, I'll take you. Bill took them to the World Series! What a lasting memory of a great time with Bill. We are not able to attend the services, but please know, we loved Bill very much.

Jim and Patti McNally

March 20, 2019

Our sincere condolences for the loss of such a kind and caring person. May he Rest In Peace and he will be missed.

Sheldon Holzman

Friend

March 20, 2019

Mary Fitschen

March 20, 2019

Dear Gerry and family,
I am saddened to hear Bill passed away Saturday. He was a dear friend for over 60 years to Rich and me. He will be missed.
He leaves behind a wonderful family and wonderful memories. Rich treasured Bill's friendship and always enjoyed his company whether it be golfing, over a Jameson, or just talking. It was a pleasure to have known Bill and an honor to be his friend.
Definitely - A Life Well-Lived!

With love,

Mary Lou Fitschen

Mary Lou Fitschen

March 20, 2019

a loved one

March 20, 2019

Gerry and family, thinking and praying for you all and your Husband, Father & Grandad today. I know no words of mine can offer consolation at this sad time and I know grief is something we all have to go through but I hope his life and love reigns forever in your heart. Bill has gone no further than to God and God is very near. I know it feels like the world should have stopped on Saturday. Grief has no best before date. You go through it for days, weeks, months and years, it never goes away only dims. He will remain forever in our heart as a gentle giant with a great big heart' . A man with a great sense of humour & genuine love for his family & all of us his friends.

Cork Convention Bureau was born 12 years ago and Bill Gainer was instrumental in its beginning. He was our very first and today remains our only honorary Ambassador. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten!

Seamus Heaney

March 20, 2019

A bright spot in our world, positive out look, generous and supportive, sharp, ready to laugh always, easy to be with, lottsa street moxy, full of faith hope and love, all around good guy...I'm sorry for the empty spot in the family now. He knows Gods peace.

Fr Thomas Nangle, CPD ret

March 20, 2019

So very saddened to hear about Bill- he was s
such a special person. His love for family, friends and life made this world a softer, kinder place. We loved him dearly.

Gerry, we were blessed to have you both part of our lives. May God help you through this difficult time.

Bridget, Nora, Bill, Maureen, Mary, Sheila, and families, through all the miles and years, your family has always been in our hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bill, may God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand.

Our heartfelt sympathy to you,
The Mcclintocks

Bill and Mary ann Mcclintock

March 20, 2019

I first met Bill before pagers were a thing. A few of us City lobbyists made a bet about who'd be the first to be "weighed down" with a pager. He was the AT & T lobbyist so we all thought he was an easy mark. But he wasn't the first to beep in a City Council meeting so he won the bet. Condolences to the Gainer family on your loss. Bill could always make me smile and I'm certain his Irish eyes are smiling on all of you.

Mary Kay Minaghan

March 19, 2019

Teri Corcoran

March 19, 2019

Bill Gainer will remain in our hearts forever!! He was a gentleman...so kind & funny,.....a family man, ..so faithfilled ..
He brought joy into our lives just when we need a good laugh most ...
Rest In Peace Bill knowing your example of Faith, Family & Friends touched so many lives.
The Wall family will never forget you ....

Kathy & Larry Wall

March 19, 2019

Condolences to the entire Gainer Family. I was fortunate to meet Bill at work. My life changed after that (for the better). Bill worked hard and played hard too. He had great compassion and support for anyone/anything Irish or Catholic. He made a lasting impact on Chicago and left footprints on many hearts. RIP Bill!

God bless the entire Gainer family, you are all in my prayers.

Eileen Moriarty

March 19, 2019

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Gainer Family. May you all be comforted with beautiful memories of your one in a million Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin and Loyal Friend. Rest in Eternal Peace Bill with all your loved ones who were there to greet you with open arms. You will be greatly missed.

Maureen Fleckenstein And Family

March 19, 2019

A true friend and man of his word. I will never forget his efforts on my behalf and his loyalty to my late brother, Don Brannigan. We are so sorry for his entire family. Eternal rest, grant to him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Tom Brannigan

Tom Brannigan

March 19, 2019

My condolences go out to the family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Continue to cherish the wonderful memories you had with William. Support one another. And may you receive comfort from our Heavenly Father.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.

J W

March 19, 2019

Worked with Bill at IBT/Ameritech/SBC/AT&T over the many years. We also played 16" softball together for the Phone Co. in Grant Park.

To Gerri, Cathy and I are so very sorry for your loss. God Bless - To Bridget, Nora, Billy, Maureen, Mary, Sheila and the rest of your families we are so very sorry for all of your loss.

It is hard to put into words what a Great person Bill was, so many stories, and so many Great memories, wish I could just write all of them here.

Roger & Cathy McGill

March 19, 2019

I have known Bill for over 50 years. He was the first foreman I met when I was promoted in 1970 in the Beverly garage. He was my mentor in my fledgling career. He taught me how to handle people, how to be stern, when needed and how to drink beer. What a great guy and an even greater sense of humor. I for one will really miss him. Be with Jesus, Bill.

Bill Cooper

Friend

March 19, 2019

Hard to find enough superlatives to describe this great guy, who touched so many people in so many of his leadership activities in Chicago. For me, in politics and government. Fortunately, he has left us his wonderful family, whose presence will continue to remind us of Bill.

Sincere condolences,

Chuck and Patricia Bernardini

charles bernardini

March 19, 2019

On behalf of Fr. Scott Donahue and Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Bill Gainer.

May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome him and take him to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

March 19, 2019

J. M. J. Dear Bridget, I am deeply saddened to learn of your father's death. You must be crestfallen. I loved your dad! He personified class, what a stand up guy! He positively touched so many lives. God knows he helped me several times in my life and I will never to forget him. May he Rest In Peace. I am truly sorry for your troubles. Please convey my sentiments to your mother. Warmest regards

Tom Frawley

March 19, 2019

Bill and I started on top of the poles about the same time with IBT. Bill was a great lineman and a greater guy. He had a great sense of humor and used it to put a smile on your face.
Bill was a people person who gave fully of himself. It was amazing to watch as he got involved in so many charitable endeavors.
Regret that we were not able to get together more often after retirement.

Don and Pat Strom

Donald Strom

March 19, 2019

Our sympathy and special prayers for Bill and all his friends and family.

The Sisters and Residents of Misericordia

March 19, 2019

What a guy! Bill and I started on top of a telephone pole about the same time at IBT. Bill was a hard working man who always had a smile on his face or put a smile on your face.
The Irish gift of gab was not wasted on Bill. His humor and congeniality was given to him by God and was not wasted.
My sincere condolences to Jerry and his magnificent family.

Don and Pat Strom

March 19, 2019

To the family........our sincere condolescences.

March 19, 2019

Bill was one of the all-time greats!

Tom Cotter

March 19, 2019

So sorry to hear about Mr Gainer. He was such a nice man who always took time to chat with me every time he came to Swissotel to workout. All our thoughts and prayers are with Nora and the entire Gainer family.


Kelly Zematis and family

Kelly Zematis

March 19, 2019

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Memorial Events
for William Gainer

Mar

21

Visitation

3:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

St. Barnabas Church

10134 S. Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643

Mar

22

Service

10:30 a.m.

St. Barnabas Church

10134 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, IL 60643

Funeral services provided by:

Donnellan Funeral Home

10525 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643

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