William Martin Hinchley Sr., age 86, passed away on Aug. 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family he spent a lifetime building.
William was born at St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, the second of four brothers. He attended Presentation Grammar School, where, in the seventh grade in 1951, he met a young girl named Marigail Quinlan. She would go on to become the love of his life. Their story began as childhood sweethearts and grew into a remarkable life together spanning more than seven decades.
William proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958. On May 2, 1959, he married his beloved Marigail, beginning a marriage and partnership that would become the foundation of the family they cherished. Together, they raised five children—four sons and one daughter—and built a life centered around family, laughter, and countless memories.
In 1964, William and Marigail made Elmhurst their home, where they would put down roots and remain for more than 60 years.
Professionally, William enjoyed a successful career in sales, spending 25 years with Ecolab before retiring.
William knew how to enjoy life. He was an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan and spent 15 years playing 16-inch softball. He loved traveling, especially when the destination included sunshine and a beach. Hawaii and Fort Myers held a special place in his heart, and few things made him happier than soaking up the sun.
He also never passed up the chance for a trip to the casino, where the slot machines were always calling his name. Those who knew William will especially remember his unmistakable sense of humor. It could be crude; it was rarely filtered, and it was entirely his own. He loved to laugh, loved making others laugh.
Beloved husband of 67 years to Marigail (née Quinlan.) Loving father to William Jr. (Mary), Michael (Ying Ren), Thomas (Kirsten), Kathy (Ralph) Ronn, and Danny Boy (JoAnne). Cherished grandfather to Nicolette (AJ) Milano, Sarah Hinchley, Bryan (Veronica) Hinchley, Stephanie (Ricky) Morales, Samantha Hinchley, Kyle (Lauren) Hinchley, Kris (Jennifer) Hinchley, Codie (Lance) Jones, Chelsey (Dan) Diaz, Maddie (AJ) Keaty, Kevin (Heather) Ronn, Ryan (Taylor) Hinchley, and Mari Rose Hinchley. Dearest great-grandfather to 21 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of James, the late Ron, and the late John.
William will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by Marigail, their five children, and the many family members and friends whose lives were made richer—and certainly more entertaining—because he was in them.
A visitation was held on Thursday, Aug, 20, 2026 at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126. Funeral services were held on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 beginning with Funeral Prayers at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York St., Elmhurst, Illinois 60126. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.
For more information, call 630-834-3515 or visit www.Ahlgrim.com
