William John "Bill" Vellios

William John Vellios passed away peacefully on February 13th, with his loving family by his side. He was born December 8, 1948, in the village of Atrapos, Florina, in the Western Macedonian region of Greece.

In 1951, Bill and his parents immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island. They started in Weirton, West Virginia, and then settled in Massillon, Ohio. Massillon was the town where Bill and his family flourished. In 1957, his father founded John George's store, which Bill, along with his brothers, owned and operated for his entire career. 

Bill was a proud graduate of Massillon Washington High School and Bowling Green State University. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school as well as college. He was a lifelong learner who loved reading, especially world history and classic literature. He was a movie buff, skilled at trivia, and loved baseball. His favorite escape was the golf course. He was known for his hearty laugh, great storytelling, and unmistakable voice.

He is survived by his daughter, Christina (Hans Thomas), son, John, brother, James (Joanna), and his delightful granddaughter Angeline Thomas. He is also survived by his nieces, Elizabeth and Sofia, nephews, David, Yianni, and Niko, and a host of friends and relatives, as well as his former wife and confidant, Vera Vellios. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Vassiliki Vellios, and brothers Tanas and George Vellios. 

He was loyal to his community and a close friend to many. He will be missed.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, February 19th, from 5-8 P.M. at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon. Funeral Service on Monday, February 20th, at St Nikola Macedonian Orthodox Church, 10:30 A.M. Very Rev. Fr. Zoran Zdravev officiating. Interment will follow at Brookfield Cemetery. 

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