William H. "Billy" Cerwin

William H. “Billy” Cerwin, age 56, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023 at home with his loving family by his side. 

He was born in Boston on March 13, 1967, and raised in Brookfield IL, the son of Richard and Helen (Banden) Cerwin.

All people die but few people really live.  Billy was one of the latter. At the mention of his name, those who knew him break into smiles and laughter as they can’t help but recall an outrageous memory, an impossible adventure, a supportive moment, wise advice, or a funny joke.  Everyone around him drew inspiration from his unyielding refusal to let his cancer define or impede him. His grace and toughness is the stuff of legends. Friends and family alike remark how they wished they had even a fraction of his strength and attitude.  It is because of this that we can smile through our tears and our profound sadness from his passing.

Billy was an award-winning sales and businessman who distinguished himself over the years working in the insurance and credit union industry with most recently as the Vice President of Insurance and Chairman of CUSO for First Financial Credit Union. Using his great instincts, insights and intelligence, he was passionate about helping businesses make money or helping individuals save money and secure their future. 

His accomplishments were many but his generosity and love were unmatched. He took a genuine interest in everyone he met be they family, friends, clients and colleagues. Mention anyone he knew and he had a special story or funny memory to share about them. But more than anything, Billy took great pride in being a father to his two beautiful children. He especially loved being the number one fan at their sporting events–encouraging them and their teammates to see their potential and do their best, win or lose!  For that is how Billy faced his battle with cancer.  Good days or bad, he always looked to the future.  Cancer may have taken his life, but it did not defeat him!

Billy is survived by his wife Carol (Bond); children Luke and Kathleen “Kat; sisters Barb Johnson of Matteson IL and Rebecca (Dominic) Petrovich of Rosalia WA; mother Helen (Kurt) Pawlikowski of Orland Park; brother-in-law Bill (Rita) Bond and sister-in-laws Kris (Jack) Tomkiewicz and Cathy (Victor) Senese and many nieces and nephews and other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and his brother-in-law Ken Johnsen.

William’s memorial visitation will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023  from 3:00pm to 6:00pm with a memorial service at 5:00pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva.

There will also be a memorial visitation Monday, October 16, 2023 at 9:30 am at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva with a celebration of funeral mass at 10:30 am with Father John McFadden celebrant. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoxZeooD-vg

A graveside service will be held at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain, Michigan at a future date.

The family requests no flowers. 

For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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