William "Bill" Edward Bodell, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 9, 2025 at the age of 69 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

Born to William Edward Bodell, Sr. (deceased) and Sally Cahail (deceased) in Chicago, IL on April 29, 1955, Bill spent his life spreading laughter and warmth to those around him. After spending his childhood between various suburbs of Chicago, Bill spent many years collecting rich stories as a waiter before deciding to complete a Bachelor's of Science degree in Computer Science at University of Illinois – Chicago and enter a career in computer programming as the profession was still in its infancy. He spent the majority of his career as Vice President of Information Technology at Carl Buddig & Company (based in Homewood, IL) where he maintained the adoration of his team and the deep respect and appreciation of his employer for his exceptional problem-solving and management skills.

Beyond work, Bill was a man of self-guided intellectual pursuits as a voracious reader and deep political and historical thinker. He was a man of contagious good humor as an energetic storyteller (after years, his regular stories could simply be referred to by number) and spirited joke-teller. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He loved good movies and television shows (his favorites including Pulp Fiction, Airplane!, Groundhog Day, The Matrix, The Princess Bride, The Wire, Seinfeld, and Justified among many others), good music (enjoying music from across nearly every genre but holding a special place in his heart for the music of John Hiatt), and Chicago White Sox baseball – at least up until 2024. When able, he was an exceptional dancer, loved the thrill of a good roller coaster, and found peace in long bike rides. He was also a man of simple pleasures and routines, eating the same lunch of a Diet Dr. Pepper and cup of ramen noodles for most of his life and playing the same two PC games (Age of Empires and Stars) longer than any computer should have been able to run them.

Above all else, Bill found and spread joy as a deeply loving husband and incredible father. He lived with a giving heart, always devoting himself to those he loved most. For his children – William Edward Bodell III, Emma Bodell Rosen, and Harry Joseph Bodell - Bill was a constant resource for support and sage advice (including many of his most enduring lessons – don't eat anything bigger than your head, stop drinking once it gets fun, don't lie down in front of a thresher, etc.). He was endlessly patient, wise, sturdy, caring, and unconditionally proud. For his wife of thirty-six years, Diana Bodell, he was simply the perfect partner. They met while working for the same client – Bill as a programmer and Diana as an IT consultant – in 1988 and married the following year. He was a sturdy emotional rock, a passionate romantic, a bright light of levity, and an effortless companion. They enjoyed a truly beautiful life of "stolen moments" together, raising their family in Bolingbrook, IL before moving to Baltimore upon retirement to enjoy a more urban lifestyle and stay close to their first grandchild, Richard Rosen. He demonstrated incredible strength in his final years, recovering from a debilitating series of medical obstacles beginning in December 2021 to hold on for three more loving years. While his loss brings his family great sorrow, his memory is a blessing that will continue to radiate warmth and provide strength to all who loved him.

Bill is survived by his wife Diana Bodell, his three children William Edward Bodell III, Emma Bodell Rosen, and Harry Joseph Bodell, his grandson Richard Rosen, and his sister Kathy Arand. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Institute for Justice .