William S. Vail, 86, of Des Plaines, who worked 43 years at International Harvester in Chicago, died Saturday, May 25, in Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines. Born and raised in Glendale, Ohio, Mr. Vail graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where he studied the violin. During the early 1930s, he formed his own band and played big-band music in Cincinnati. After marrying, Mr. Vail began working at International Harvester in Cincinnati in 1934. He was the person responsible for setting the company’s farm equipment prices. He was transferred to the company’s Chicago office in 1947 and settled in Des Plaines with his family. He was an usher and taught religious education at St. Mary Catholic Church. He retired from International Harvester in 1977. “He was always there to help out,” said his daughter, Kathleen Ciaccio. “He was a great role model.” Other survivors include four sons, Thomas, Barry, William and Lawrence; a brother, Charles; two sisters, Theresa Munafo and Virginia Roy; and 17 grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Oehler Funeral Home, 555 Lee St., Des Plaines. A mass will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Mary Catholic Church, 794 Pearson St., Des Plaines.
