William Goldman

William "Bill" Goldman passed away in Boca Raton, FL, from Alzheimer's Disease on December 9, 2023. He was surrounded by family in his final moments. Bill was born in New York, NY, on May 15, 1950, to Audrey and Louis Goldman. Just after Bill became a big brother to Dale Feeley, nee Goldman, the Goldman family moved to Chicago, IL, then north to Wilmette, IL, where Bill attended New Trier High School. He then attended Knox College and transferred to Northern Illinois University (Class of 1973), where he majored in Philosophy and minored in Art. He was the first person Debra "Debbie" Goldman, nee Davis, of Rockford, IL, met at NIU, and they fell madly in love. They married shortly after graduation. In their 50 years of marriage, they raised two children, Becca Goldman, married to Carolyn Galayda, and Justin Goldman. In 2013, Bill's twin grandchildren, Levi and Jonah Galayda, were born, and Bill became the most fun PopPop. He was very close to his family and often lived near them in the Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco areas until 2016, when Bill and Debbie retired and moved to Boca Raton, Florida. In the early 1970s, Bill began to pursue his dream of becoming a magician and quickly established himself as an accomplished and respected professional. He started working at a restaurant in Chicago and quickly moved on to working at trade shows and on stages around the world. Not only was he a talented, hilarious performer, but Bill also created many popular magic tricks, including Monkey in the Middle, Magic Yarn, and One for the Money. His "Magic Bar and Grill" zine became widely known for both its sleight-of-hand content and for the entertaining stories and anecdotes he wrote. He also wrote several monthly columns for magic journals. His skills as a magician were matched with incredible creativity, quick wit, and humor; he could play guitar, paint, sculpt, weave baskets, build furniture, write captivating stories and beautiful songs, and regularly make his friends, family, and audiences laugh until it hurt. He was celebrated and loved by those whose lives he touched. The world will miss the incredible love and magic of Bill Goldman! Celebration of Life for Bill and his wife, Debbie will be February 22, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services; 4301 N. Main St. Rockford. Funeral Celebrant Jen Thompson will officiate. Live stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/william-and-debra-goldman Immediately following the service, Debbie and Bill's family will host a reception at the funeral home. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFh.com.

William Goldman

May 15, 1950 - December 9, 2023