William Patrick Fallon's Obituary
William Patrick Fallon: Born to Life June 28, 1942, Born to Eternal Life February 18, 2021
Bill Fallon was a lifelong Catholic, having been educated in Catholic Grade School, graduating from Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, WI; and earning his BA in Economics from the University of Notre Dame in 1964.
He joined the US Peace Corps after graduation and served in Chile from 1964-1966, where he taught English and advised on economic matters. At the conclusion of his Peace Corps service, he returned to the United States and earned his JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1969. During law school he happened to meet and consequently fell in love with high school friend Mary Ann Colloton, and they were married in 1968.
Following his graduation from law school, Bill began his long and successful career with Caterpillar Tractor Company. As he climbed the corporate ladder, the two captured their opportunities to live in multiple places and gave birth to their two children, Matt, born in Florida and Colleen, born in Brazil.
In 1986 Bill went to work for a Caterpillar Company, Solar Turbines in San Diego, CA. This change allowed the family to stay in San Diego and gave their children the opportunity to finish school and develop lifelong connections to “America’s Finest City”.
Soon after moving to San Diego Bill became very active in the Notre Dame Club of San Diego, serving as Club President in 1988-89. San Diego also gave him the opportunity to pursue his love of tennis and competitive sailing year round. Bill was especially motivated to compete in one-design racing, particularly in his Melges 24. At Southwestern Yacht Club he was a leader in the club’s efforts to form the Competition Committee, in order to bring the club more prominence by recruiting young and talented sailors to join and represent the club. In time those efforts led the club to win its first Lipton Cup and numerous other regattas. The Junior Program at Southwestern Yacht Club was also a priority for Bill. He served as Commodore in 2005 and in following years as a Trustee and Staff Commodore. When he was no longer physically able to race his sailboat he acquired a Boston Whaler and used it frequently as the Mark-set boat for SWYC races.
Bill and Mary Ann retired in 2008 and began adventurous expedition travel, with annual trips to the Galapagos, Europe, Latin America, Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, China, New Zealand and elsewhere. Ultimately, because he traveled extensively when working, he was able to boast of having traveled to over 90 countries!
Family gatherings were always a highlight for Bill and he led the way in starting yearly family reunions in places where a lake or the ocean was not far away. On Bill & Mary Ann’s 50th wedding anniversary they took the family to visit their roots in Milwaukee, WI and Lake Beulah, Mukwonago, WI, where Bill had spent his summers and his love of sailing was born and nurtured. Their grandchildren quickly picked up the skill and fun of water skiing and tubing. Visiting alma maters Northwestern U. and Notre Dame were also highlights.
Bill was predeceased by his brother, James in 1998. In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, son, Matt (Donna) and daughter, Colleen (Dave) Withers, Bill is survived by 6 grandchildren, Sara, Charles, Henry, Davy, Matty & Billy, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SWYC Junior Foundation at http://www.southwesternjuniorfoundation.org/donate.html
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