William “Bill, Bacon” Olivanti, age 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 28, 2022. He was a true American hero and the embodiment of “the greatest generation”. He was a great and loving husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother, and friend. Bill was born on February 8, 1932, in Iron Mountain, Michigan. He was raised there, graduating from Iron Mountain High School in 1950 as an accomplished athlete and football star. After high school, he began his lifetime of service to our country, entering the US Navy during the Korean war. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he graduated from Michigan State University. From college, he entered the FBN (Federal Bureau of Narcotics), precursor to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). There he enjoyed a long and distinguished career. Bill held many positions of increasing responsibility continuing to serve in top leadership roles within the DEA until his retirement in 1984. Bill received numerous awards and accolades during his career; none of them was more cherished than receiving the “Native Son of the Year” recognition from his hometown of Iron Mountain, Michigan. After his retirement from the DEA, Bill continued to work for a period of time; first as the head of security and loss prevention for Marshall Fields and then as an instructor for Bensinger, DuPont & Associates providing EAP training at corporate and government organizations. Bill enjoyed his retirement in Downers Grove, IL, where he lived since 1980 with Joan his late wife of 46 years. He then enjoyed a 17-year loving relationship with the late Florence Duchak.
Bill Olivanti, beloved husband of the late Joan (nee Kelly); loving father of John (Janine); dear grandfather of Sara (Dave) Admire & the late Anna; fond brother of Richard “Dick” (Mickey) and the late Robert “Buzzy” (Gina) and the late Ralph (the late Jackie); also many nieces and nephews; cherished companion of the late Florence Duchak and special friend of her children Diane (Mike) Marelli, Donna (Mike) Paulo and Roberta (Brett) Beiner and their children and grandchildren; cherished friend of many.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral will be Friday 9:15 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave., Darien to Our Lady of Peace Church. Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Iron Mountain Cemetery, Iron Mountain, Michigan with the Jacobs Funeral Home , Iron Mountain, Mich. handling local arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are appreciated. For funeral info: 630-852-3595 or www.modelldarien.com.