William "Bill" P. Stanley

William P. Stanley

South Bend – William (Bill) Stanley, 68, of South Bend peacefully passed on September 4, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was the oldest child born on August 29, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to Phyllis and Richard Stanley.   He married Mary Jane Kuzmitz on August 16, 1969 at St. Joseph Parish in South Bend, Indiana.   She survives along with three sons Michael (Vanessa) Stanley of Chicago, Brian (Kelly) Stanley of South Bend, and Kevin Stanley of Chicago; and five grandchildren: Sebastian, Julianna, Leighton, Will and Nolan.   Also surviving are three brothers Thomas (Jolyn), Robert (Sondra) and Jim Stanley along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, two brothers-in-laws and four sisters-in-laws.

Bill graduated from Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois in 1965, University of Dayton with a degree in Business management in 1969, and a JD degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1972.

Bill practiced law for 43 years in private practice starting his own firm, William P. Stanley, and then hiring associates to create the firm Stanley, Tuszynski and Newman.   He loved the practice of law, especially trial work and cases in Federal Court. He believed in the judicial system and to be able to provide to his clients the help needed in order to lead a purposeful life.

He walked by faith and not by sight.  He was a compassionate, generous gentleman with a tireless work ethic.   He was respected and admired by his peers and friends and took great pride in helping those with difficult circumstances.   He was a good friend who never had an unkind word to say about anyone.  Bill deeply felt all of the love in his life and especially wanted to thank all those who prayed and supported him during his illness as he drew incredible strength from it.

He had many roles in life that he served with great passion and purpose.   Bill coached t-ball, baseball and basketball for his boys at the YMCA and St. Matthew School.   Also, he coached mock trial teams at Marian High School.

Above all he had an unconditional love for his family and he built many of his interests around them to provide opportunities for teachings and gifts to be shared.   Traveling, gardening, attending sporting events, reading books and spending time at Lake Michigan where just a few of his favorite activities.

He was the recipient of the Bronze Key Award from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.   From Marian High School he received the Principal’s Award for Commitment and Dedication. 

Palmer Funeral Home is handling the celebration of Bill’s life.   Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8th with the rosary said at 2:45 p.m., at the Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9th at Saint Matthew Cathedral, South Bend with the burial to follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, Indiana.   Monsignor Michael Heintz and Rev. William Beauchamp will be presiding.

Bill has requested that memorial gifts be made to the Alcohol and Addiction Resource Center at 818 East Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, Indiana 46617. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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