Funeral Details

William J. "Bill" McGraw

June 12, 1942 - October 15, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Graveside

New Light Cemetery
6807 North East Prairie
Lincolnwood, Illinois 60712
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Yitzchak Falk
Congregation Ezras Israel

Shiva

The McGraw Residence
2553 W Morse Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60645
Get Directions
Following the interment until 6PM

Memorial Contributions

Joseph & Catherine Mignone McGraw Endowment Fund
Southern Illinois University
www.siuf.org/give/




OBITUARY

William J. McGraw, known lovingly to so many as “Bill the Bike Guy,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 15, 2025, at his home in Chicago, Illinois. He was 83 years old.

Born in Spring Valley, Illinois, on June 12, 1942, Bill grew up with a deep sense of kindness, humility, and generosity that defined his entire life. A proud alumnus and lifelong supporter of Southern Illinois University (SIU), Bill carried his Saluki spirit everywhere he went.

To his family, friends, and neighbors, Bill was a man whose heart knew no limits. He was known throughout the community for his love of bicycles, not for racing or collecting, but for restoring and giving them away. As “Bill the Bike Guy,” he spent countless hours fixing up bikes to donate to charities, people in need, and members of the Jewish community. Bill took great pride in his Jewish identity and was a devoted member of Congregation Ezras Israel, where he found community, purpose, and friendship. His generosity wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way of life.

Bill’s warmth and compassion touched everyone he met. He had a rare ability to make people feel seen, valued, and cared for, and his kindness rippled through every corner of his life. Those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit, his unwavering generosity, and the quiet joy he found in giving to others.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Gail, and his three children, Darren, Sarah, and Zack, to whom he was devoted. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine McGraw, his brother, Bernard “Bernie” McGraw, and Gail’s beloved twin brother, Neal Allen Kelber.

A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at New Light Cemetery, 6807 N. East Prairie Rd., Lincolnwood, IL 60712.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Joseph & Catherine Mignone McGraw Endowment Fund, part of Southern Illinois University at www.siuf.org/give/ in honor of Bill’s enduring support for education and community.

Bill lived a life of selflessness, love, and quiet strength. His legacy of generosity and compassion will continue to shine through the lives he touched, one smile, one bicycle, and one act of kindness at a time. May his memory be a blessing. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.


GUEST BOOK

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What a great man. He came to our house several times throughout the years to fix bikes, and even gave us a new one when he couldn't fix the old. He was a generous, competent, kind, inspiring man who helped so many. He was beloved among children and parents and will be sorely missed; yehi zichro baruch.

Mindy Reiss
October 16, 2025
When i first met Bill he was very approachable and easy to talk to. It was a pleasure knowing him. Condolences to his family and prayers through this difficult time.
Cherish all the great memories you have shared.

Jocelyn Mendoza
October 16, 2025
Mr. McGraw was such a giving man. I just saw him not too long ago riding on his bike past my house ,or on his way to pick up a donated bicycle in his car. He told me that when he bought his car he had in mind that it would have room enough to transport the bikes. He helped me and my friends on numerous occasions and never wanted any payment or anything in return. It just gave him joy to fix and give away bicycles. He was so friendly and kind helping countless people. May his memory be a blessing.

Vicki Ross
October 16, 2025

Vicki Ross
October 16, 2025
Bill and Gail. Not Bill alone or Gail alone. The perfect couple who enjoyed “just being together “. A terrible loss for the family and the community.

Bobbi Pinkert
October 16, 2025
We loved "the bicycle man"! Mr. McGraw has been so wonderful to our family over the years. When my kids called him about a bike that needed fixing, he said "leave it on your porch, and I'll take care of it first thing in the morning"! He picked the bike up and brought it back, and then told the kids that their smiles were the best thank you. He was so kind and generous and he will surely be missed. Yehi zichro Baruch.

Adina Langer
October 16, 2025
I will never forget Bill. His kind heart and gentle spirit made it a joy to be near him. Always the gentleman and always a friend.
I will miss him. Gail and family. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Pamela Bibbiano
October 16, 2025
"Bike Man Mr. Mcgraw" is how he is stored in my phone. I will always remember is selfless giving and kindness. What a generous and compassionate man! I hope someone in our community can take over for him in his or her own way. He was One of a Kind. ברוךדייןהאמת

Stacey Hunt
October 16, 2025
For many years Bill has been an important part of the leadership at Congregation Ezras Israel in Chicago. He was active in many aspects, but particularly those involved with watching over the "House": the synagogue's buildings and extensive physical plant. His knowledge and expertise, and his people skills and acumen, were indispensable and invaluable. His friendship and encouragement will be greatly missed.

david skora
October 16, 2025
Always enjoyed seeing Bill riding by and often stopping for a few words. I just learned of his passing and am shocked; I'd assumed he'd always be around. Such a loss for our neighborhood. May his memory be a comfort to his family.

Abner Cunningham
October 16, 2025
I am still in shock by the news. I served with Bill on the SIU Foundation Board of Directors.

A truly brilliant individual who could light up a room with his warm and caring personality.

I will miss,my friend.

Howard Spiegel

Howard Spiegel
October 17, 2025
Condolences to Gail and family. I had just met Bill a few weeks ago when he donated 10 bikes to Refugee One
where I have volunteered in recent years.
He was a generous and truly good person .

Jerry Kaiser
October 17, 2025
Hamokom yenachem eschem besoch shaarei Tzion vYerushalyim.
May his neshama have an aliyah.
Thank you for your great kindness.

David and Sheila Segall
October 17, 2025
Bill is one of the most selfless and dedicated people I have ever met. He spent his free time helping others, including fixing and donating bikes to those in need and spending inordinate amounts of time helping with the maintenance of the Ezras Israel building. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

Henry Pietrkowski
October 17, 2025
I was always amazed with his tremendous generosity - he helped me and countless others so many times with fixing our bikes. He was just at my house fixing bikes on Friday Oct 3, and we had a great conversation like always -I loved learning about his past, his family etc. He was full of life and simchas hachaim (happiness). I hope his family can find solace in knowing he was a person who embodied Chesed (kindness) - which is so vital as the world was built and is built through kindness. May you be comforted amongst the mourners of Tzion.

Chavie Millunchick
October 17, 2025
Knowing Bill was to know the joy of life. His love for all of humanity was contagious and will be missed. His memory is a blessing for all of us who knew and loved him.

Kristine McGuire
October 18, 2025
Bill would come to our house multiple times to help our kids with their bikes. Our kids loved him and he always came to help with a smile. When I would thank him, he would say "No problem, this helps keep me out of trouble." He has helped so many families and kids over the years. What a truly special person he was. Thank you Bill for all the times you came and helped us with our bikes. May his memory be for a blessing.

Chana Martel Tennant
October 18, 2025
We are so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He certainly was quite a guy. May his name be for a blessing. Judy & Jerry Tatar

Judy and Jerry Tatar
October 19, 2025
I was so sad to learn of Bill's death. He was a one-of-a-kind guy. I haven't been in touch since our last lunch together several years ago, and I am much the sadder for it. May his memory be a blessing.

Donald Garfield
October 19, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He will always be remembered as a kind, loving, friendly and generous man as well as a devoted husband and father.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Susan Braithwaite
November 4, 2025