William V. Rawski

William V. "Billy" "Zap" Rawski, age 70, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026. William was the devoted partner of Gosia Korsakowski; loving father of Madeline (Eric) Edquist, Simone (Hunter) Husar, John, Christian (Sandra) and the late William Rawski; dear son of the late Sophie (nee Stawicki) and the late John Rawski; proud grandfather of Emma and Natasha; dearest brother of Claudette (Jerry) Slowik, John (Sonia) Rawski and Susan LaBonte. He was a fond uncle of many and a friend to even more.

Bill’s journey began in Chicago where he attended St. Giles Elementary School, followed by his high school years at Marmion Military Academy. His deep curiosity about the past led him to pursue higher education, starting at Loras College in Iowa before transferring to DePaul University, where he graduated with a degree in history.

That passion for history shaped the rest of his life. In 1987, Bill channeled his love for Americana and vintage toys into founding Zap Antiques. Over nearly four decades, his boundless knowledge, sharp eye, and legendary work ethic led him to build a sprawling collection of one-of-a-kind treasures that fill over 100,000 square feet across Chicago and Texas.

Known affectionately to many as "Zap," he was an absolute titan and a cornerstone of the antique and coin-op communities. Beyond his sharp eye for a deal, Bill was revered for his incredible generosity of knowledge. He was a natural mentor, always willing to take a young dealer under his wing, share his expertise, or offer guidance to anyone looking to make their way in the trade. He was a driving force at major markets, bringing people together with his no-nonsense personality, encyclopedic knowledge, and willingness to always share a story. His booths made every show memorable.

His business, Zap Props, has outfitted major Hollywood productions filmed in Chicago—from A League of Their Own and Home Alone 2 to the more recent Fargo Season 4 and Chicago Fire/P.D.—and decorated spaces across the country for one of the city's most iconic restaurants, Portillo’s. Bill was a master collector, a purveyor of wonder, and a true Chicago original who built a thriving empire in an industry that many can only make a hobby of, leaving an undeniable blueprint for generations of collectors to follow.

Visitation Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL. The funeral begins at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home, and will then proceed to St. Eugene Church (Queen of Peace Parish) for Mass at 10:30 a.m. The interment will follow at Saint Adalbert Cemetery in Niles. For more information call (708)456-8300.

To see a wonderful look inside the incredible world he built and hear a bit of his story, you can watch this feature on the Midwest's largest prop shop, which highlights how Bill turned his deep passion for history and old Americana into a legendary Chicago institution.