William T. Salamanis

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition the 40th day after death is a traditional memorial service, family gathering and rituals in memory of the departed. The family was gathering on Sunday, December 12th to honor the memory of their beloved Joan Salamanis who died November 3, 2021. After sixty years of marriage, her husband, Bill, died unexpectedly at Lahey Clinic. Their bond was so strong that Bill decided it was time to join Joan. Just before passing Bill said he was looking forward to being together again. Bill was 90.

William Thomas Salamanis was born on April 20, 1931 in Krimini, Greece a son of the late Thomas G. and Thomay (Papanikolaou) Salamanis. His family immigrated to the United States in December, 1945. He was a graduate of Waltham Vocational High School and honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Bill and Joan were married on April 23, 1961 in Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Woburn. Bill was a resident of Waltham since he immigrated from Greece in 1945.

Bill Salamanis…proud of his Greek heritage would boast he was from Macedonia, Alexander the Great's country and worked hard his entire life and always kept himself active and busy. He was also a proud member of the AHEPA. He worked as a young man at his family's restaurant, Candyland Restaurant on Moody Street and later as a salesman for Mendelsons Hardware, both in Waltham. He later worked as the facilities manager for EIC Laboratories Inc. in Norwood, retiring in 2001.

He continued to stay busy working around his homes keeping things meticulous and in order. Bill was always lending a helpful and skilled hand to family and friends. There wasn't any project he wasn't willing to tackle as a jack of many trades. Bill loved to dance and would be out on the dance floor all night. He was a loving grandfather who was so proud of both his grandchildren's accomplishments. Bill will be lovingly remembered for all of his great stories about his life, a humble and happy gentleman who always maintained a positive outlook on life.

He leaves his daughters, Cynthia Salamanis of Waltham and Diane George (David) of Marlborough; his granddaughters, Alexis and Makayla George; his sister, Claire Lyons (late Richard) of Watertown; in-laws, Virginia Politis (late George) of Waltham, Dina Kastixte (late Peter) of Ionnin, Greece, Flora Papanikolaou (late Orestis) of Salonika, Greece, Julia Kresser (Chuck) of Kingston, New York, Niko Menidis (late Maro) of Cyprus, Greece and the late George Menidis; nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bill's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, December 21st from 4 to 7 p.m. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday in Taxiarchae Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown at 10 a.m. Rev. Fr. Athanasios Nenes will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorials in his name may be made to the Taxiarchae Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 or www.goarchangels.org