William “Bill” Joseph Shega, 57, of Woodlawn, Illinois, passed away with his family by his side at 6:18 pm February 12, 2025 at his residence. He was born April 20, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois to William Joseph and Mary Ann (Jungles) Shega. Bill married Kelley (Norris) Shega on November 28, 2002 at the Woodlawn Fire Department.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-two years, Kelley Shega; mother, Mary Ann Shega; children, Andrea Pisano and husband, David of Spring Hill, Florida, Kayla Snow and husband, Blake of Bonnie, Illinois, Kayla Hamm and husband, Chris of Mount Vernon, Illinois; grandchildren, Addilynn Hamm, Aubree Hamm, Brently Askew, Keiston Hamm, Ellie Hamm, Judah Snow, Isaiah Snow, Liam Hoffler, Luca Williams, Kalliope Pisano, and Kaden Pisano; sister, Melinda Lenci and husband, Randy; brothers, David Shega and wife, Jessica, Dr. Joseph Shega and husband, Peter; sister-in-law, Amy Hollenkamp and husband, Todd; and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Joseph Shega and grandparents, Joseph and Anne Shega and Lawrence and Agnes Jungles.

Bill graduated from Lockport Township High School in 1985. He worked for the Department of Corrections from January 15, 1988 until July 31, 2022 at Statesville, Centralia, and retired as Supply Supervisor III from Pinckneyville Correctional Centers. Bill volunteered at the Woodlawn Fire Department for thirty years and served as Fire Chief for twelve years. Throughout his time as a firefighter, he was known as the fireman who baked cakes. He served on Woodlawn Village Board and was a CPR and First Responder Instructor. Bill was a handy man who enjoyed camping, gardening, and canning vegetables. Bill had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody. This showed throughout his years of serving his community. Above all, his grandchildren was his pride and joy. Bill will be greatly missed by everyone who had the chance to meet him.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Central Christian Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Tracy Thomas officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow the service, starting at 2:00 pm at Bubba’s Too in Nason, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Bill’s honor to Woodlawn Fire Department.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.