New Lenox Man Known as 'Grandpa Bill' to Over 1,000 Preschool Children Dies at 88
William Herman Cresap, a retired Commonwealth Edison employee who spent 24 years volunteering with schoolchildren, died peacefully with his family at his side.
By William Parker ·
William Herman Cresap of New Lenox has died at the age of 88. According to his obituary, he passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side.
Cresap was married for 65 years to Leone Cresap, nee Maciejewski. He was the father of the late Trista Marie. He is also remembered as a brother-in-law to Tania Puchalski, whose husband Anthony Jr. has also died, and to the late Aleta Maciejewski and the late Gregory Maciejewski, whose wife is Patricia.
His roots were on the East Side of Chicago, where he graduated from Annunciata Elementary School. He later attended Mendel High School. His working life was spent at Commonwealth Edison's State Line Station, where he stayed for more than 38 years and retired at age 57. He also served in the National Guard for nine years.
Much of what the family highlights about Cresap, though, centers on his volunteer work with young people. At Bowen High School in South Chicago, he ran the popcorn machine for many years, with the proceeds going to support the school's Steel Drum Band.
He later gave 21 years to Parkview Christian Church Pre School in Orland Park, followed by three years at Legacy Christian Academy. Across those 24 years of volunteering, he became known to everyone as "Grandpa Bill." The obituary notes that he had more than 1,000 "Grand Kids."
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kurtz Memorial Chapel Frankfort, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423. The family will receive relatives and friends there throughout that time.
On Friday, October 30, 2026, Cresap will lie in state beginning at 9:00 AM until the start of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. The Mass will take place at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 7659 W. Sauk Trail, Frankfort, IL 60423. A private entombment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Calumet City.
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be directed to Legacy Christian Academy Orland Park, 11026 W. 179th Street, Orland Park, IL 60467, the school where he volunteered in his final years of service.
Originally published by News Media House · Source: Chicago Tribune
