William J. Conlisk, 74, a former detective in the Chicago Police Department, died Wednesday in Lifecare Center of Glendale, Ariz. Mr. Conlisk, who was born on the South Side and raised his family in Garfield Ridge, served on the police force for 33 years before retiring in 1979 to Arizona. A World War II veteran in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Conlisk began his police career at the Grand Crossing District and later worked as a detective in the missing persons section. He spent most of his career in the labor relations section, where he provided legal information to companies involved in strikes. In the 1950s, Mr. Conlisk also served as a body guard to controversial labor boss Anthony Inciso, president of the AFL United Auto Workers union, Local 286. Mr. Conlisk came from a family of police officers. His brother, James B. Conlisk, now deceased, was the superintendent of police from 1967 to 1973. Mr. Conlisk is survived by his wife, Lucille; two daughters, Debbie Toma and Denise Reape; two sons, Kevin and Brian; four grandchildren; and a sister. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday in McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago. Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. Monday in St. Daniel the Prophet Church, 5330 S. Nashville Ave., Chicago.
