Charles William Spencer, 78, passed away Feb. 28, 2012, in Naperville. He was born Nov. 16, 1933, in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Charles graduated from Elmhurst College and earned his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent School of Law. He practiced law his entire career with several firms and was a life member of the DuPage County Bar Association. He was an associate judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in DuPage County for 12 years and when he retired from the bench, enjoyed performing marriages.

Charles was a 32-year sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous and was a veteran of the Army. He enjoyed the theater and was an actor in his own right. He also loved to travel and to spend time with his family.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Marilyn; his loving sons, Scott and Jeff (Shelly) Spencer; his sister, Judy (Sam) Hipple of Albuquerque, N.M.; and his brother-in-law, Frank (Carolyn) Jacobs of Kansas. He was an uncle to many and great friend to all. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roswell and Effie Spencer; his parents-in-law, Harry and Eunice Jacobs; his brother, Richard; and sister, Shirley (the late Ed) Boyer.

For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to the life of Charles Spencer, memorials to the American Heart Association, would be greatly appreciated.

Cynthia B. Lafuente, 49, of Wilmette, Ill., was the beloved partner of Jerry L. Smith; loving daughter of Henry and Dini Burt; dear sister of Henry J. and Linda Burt and Stephen and Emily Burt; loving aunt of Maddy, Claire and John; and loving supporter of Lexie and Brodie Smith.

Cyndi was a graduate of Duke University and Chicago-Kent College of Law which led to a distinguished career in international tax in both the private and public sectors. Cyndi's professional and volunteer work included the Chicago Finance Exchange (The Enterprising Kitchen), Tax Executives Institute, and International Fiscal Association.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chicago Finance Exchange, 216 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60606 or www.chicagofinanceexchange.org. The family was assisted by Leonard Memorial Home, Ltd., 630-469-0032.

Oliver M. Wolcott, 93, a lifelong resident of Batavia, passed away March 9, 2012 at his residence at Park Manor, The Holmstad. He was born April 25, 1918 in Batavia the son of Laurens and Ethel (nee Patchin) Wolcott. He was united in marriage to Leota Capps on November 25, 1951 in Avon, IL.

Oliver graduated from Batavia High School. He then pursued his bachelor's degree in business from Northwestern University. Following his graduation he was drafted in 1941 into the United States Army. Ollie proudly served his country, and following the war continued his education at Northwestern University Law School, earning his Juris Doctorate degree in 1948.

Oliver was employed by Merchants National Bank in Aurora for 30 years where he served as Vice President and Trust Officer. During his professional career he donated countless hours and his talents to civic and professional organizations. A member of the Illinois State Bar Association since 1948, he also served on the Advisory Board of Mercy Hospital, Board of Directors of Sunnymere Home in Aurora, Board of the Juvenile Protective Association, and Founding Board of the Kane-Kendall Mental Health Association. In addition, he served as President of the Aurora Rotary Club and two terms as President of the Boy Scout Council (Ke-De-Ka area council).

He was proud to have earned his Eagle Scout award. He was a lifelong member of Calvary Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry and as Junior and Senior Warden.

Stephen P. Carponelli "Steve," 64, died Thursday, March 1, 2012, at his home in Barrington Hills, Ill., after a courageous fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS/"Lou Gehrig's Disease").

Born Dec. 11, 1947, in Chicago, to Peter J. and Diana M. Carponelli, he graduated from Forest View High School in Mount Prospect, Ill., in 1965. An athlete, he played baseball and football at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He graduated in 1969, earning a bachelor of science degree in marketing. He earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1972, graduating cum laude from The John Marshall School of Law, and was admitted to the practice of law by the Supreme Court of Illinois that same year.

Early in his career, Steve co-founded the law firm Carponelli & Krug with friend, Robert F. Krug Jr. Over the course of his 40-year career, Steve combined the teamwork and competitive drive gained from athletics with the business acumen he developed at Drake and the knowledge and advocacy learned at John Marshall to become a highly respected litigator. He was a multi-year member of the Justinian Society of Lawyers, Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Steve was nominated by his peers to the Leading Lawyers' Network, Super Lawyers, and the trial lawyer honorary society, Litigation Counsel of America. In addition to his winning trial work, he also argued cases before the Appellate Court of Illinois, the Supreme Court of Illinois, United States District Court, Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.