William "Bill" R. Daffron

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of WIlliam R. Daffron, age 73 of Manteno, Illinois. William (Bill) passed away, surrounded by family on January 27, 2025 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. Born on October 25, 1951, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bill was the son of the late John Daffron and the late Norma Ross. While he was born in Michigan, Bill spent most of his childhood and young adult life growing up in Lockport, IL. He graduated from Lockport High School in 1969. After high school, Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1976. Bill made a career as a carpenter with the Mid America Carpenters Local 174. He took great pride in working on various buildings in Chicago, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital and with renovations at the Brookfield Zoo. After his retirement, Bill stayed busy by working as a porter for Taylor Ford in Manteno, Il. Bill loved life and filled every moment with stories and shared his life memories with his beloved family and friends. He had an infectious laugh and larger than life personality that made him so unforgettable. Bill enjoyed fishing, and trips to Canada with his best friend, the late Patrick (Lester) Doyle. He was an avid car enthusiast and could often be found at local car shows with his son, Jacob. Bill loved baseball and coached little league in Crest Hill for many years. As a devoted Grandfather, he could often be found supporting his grandchildren at football and baseball games, band concerts, dance recitals and gymnastics meets. Bill had an unmatched zest for life that will be treasured by his family and friends for years to come. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Abbott, of whom he married on October 31, 2018. Together they made a home in Manteno, IL with their beloved dogs. He was a dedicated and loving father to Nichole Daffron Cox (Aaron) of Coal CIty, IL and Jacob Daffron (Marianne) of Joliet, IL; and stepfather to Alison Hooks Gomez (Dave) and Colin Hooks (Alex) both of Shorewood, IL. Bill was the grandfather to eight adoring grandchildren, Sawyer, Marley, Logan, Ashlyn, Carly, Max and Isla. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Daffron and his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; along with his Mother In Law, Barbara Naylor, of Plainfield, IL. Bill was preceded in death by his father, John Daffron, and his mother, Norma Ross. Bill was also preceded in death by his cherished granddaughter, Penelope Gomez. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Jensen Funeral Home in Kankakee, IL. Memorial information will be shared at a later date. In remembrance, please consider a donation in Bill’s name to: Give Kids the World Village 210 S. Bass Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34746 https://www.gktw.org