A Tribute to Bill Glennon: A Centenarian’s Life of Service and Reflection

Bill Glennon moves quickly. When asked to visit the Wall of Honor at the Prairie Path senior living community in Lombard, the Navy veteran speeds toward the elevator, undeterred by his walker or his 101 years.

With the nation marking its 250th anniversary, Glennon expresses surprise rather than nostalgia over his long-lived journey. Asked for advice for younger generations seeking longevity, he says, “To tell you the truth, I don’t know – I’m amazed I’m here. The good Lord has let me stay so long and I enjoy myself all the time.”

Born in Maywood, Glennon’s life could have ended at any moment during a perilous experience in the North Pacific Ocean. On Dec. 7, 1941, at 17, he witnessed Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. Compelled by duty, Glennon and a friend enlisted in the Navy the following day, though their initial choice was the Air Force, which wasn’t accepting recruits then.

After joining the Navy Air Corps, Glennon trained as a gunner on a PV-1 Ventura, tasked with shooting down enemy planes and bombing Japanese targets. His missions became routine until one tragic day when enemy fire downed his aircraft, sending him and six others into the waters off Alaska.

Glennon, at 18, faced the uncertainty of survival. The last out of the sinking plane, he aided five fellow airmen onto his floatation device, witnessing another swim for safety. Thankfully, local fishermen spotted the distressed crew and rescued them. They were cared for by Alaskan villagers for four days before the Navy took them to Seattle for recovery.

Upon recovery, Glennon was reassigned to teach at a gunnery school in the South Pacific. After WWII’s end, he returned to Maywood, eagerly anticipated by Virginia, his fiancée. They married within a week of his return, starting a career in education that saw Glennon serve as a teacher and principal in Oak Brook while keeping war memories private. To him, defending democracy was a duty, not an accolade.

Over 75 years of marriage, the Glennons welcomed three children, seven grandchildren, and more great-grandchildren. Eventually, they settled at Prairie Path in Lombard after a long residence in Western Springs. Even after Virginia’s passing five years ago, Glennon finds comfort among friends and staff.

His days start with breakfast by 8 a.m., followed by outdoor walks and workouts in the exercise room. He partakes in various activities at the center, enjoying a Manhattan with lunch. Family remains nearby in Chicago, providing frequent visits. Sundays include dinners prepared by daughter Adriene and her husband Joel.

As July Fourth approaches, Glennon reflects at the Wall of Honor in Prairie Path’s basement. His photograph among fellow veterans brings pride but Glennon, nearing 102, avoids political discourse. “I’ve tried to stay out of politics,” he shares. “My life has been good – I’ve been fortunate. Things were really easier back then…now, I’m just glad to be here.”