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William J. Papanikolas
1952 - 2017
BORN
1952
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
William J. Papanikolas Obituary
Williamston, Michigan
Born January 22, 1952 in Salt Lake City, UT, son of the late John William and Helen Papanikolas. Passed away Thursday, May 11, 2017 at age 65. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Claudia Papanikolas; their children, Jason (Tiffany) Papanikolas, and Megan (Christopher) Dowell; four grandsons, Alexander, Mason, Caleb, and Logan; sister, Annetta (Ed) Mirabella; his niece; his nephew and many other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father and mother-in-law, Raymond J. and Billy June Meldrum.
William was an Eagle Scout, a Veteran of the US Army serving during Vietnam, a member of the Order of DeMolay, an avid trivia enthusiast, an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where he proudly served as Sunday School director in both Salt Lake City and Lansing for over 33 years. William was an employee of Sparrow Health System for over 15 years. He will be remembered for willingly sharing his wisdom and knowledge as a mentor both in the work place and within his family. His presence lit up every room. Great leaders always speak with their hands, which William did, whether telling a great joke or inspiring the best in others.
Visitation will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, from 5-8 p.m. with a Trisagion service at 7:30 p.m. Burial will take place in Salt Lake City, UT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in William's memory, may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
William was known for being an avid Utah sports fan GO UTES
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William J. Papanikolas
Sponsored by Estes-Leadley Funeral Home - Lansing.
Claudia
May 9, 2025
On the eighth anniversary of Bill's passing, he is still much loved and deeply missed. I have many fond memories of our life together which will remain in my heart forever.
Claudia
May 9, 2024
May 11, 2024
You will forever be my always
Claudia
May 9, 2023
Six years ago on May 11th, I lost the love of my life. I will always miss him always and hold the memories of our wonderful life together in my heart. RIP Bill.
Sue Shore
May 11, 2022
Claudia,
Beautiful 5-year memorial from you. I miss him too!
Claudia
May 10, 2022
Time has not changed how much I miss you. You will always be my one and only love.
May 11, 2021. Four year Anniversary. We will miss and love you forever!<br />Your Family
Claudia Papanikolas
May 9, 2021
May 11, 2021
Claudia
April 30, 2020
May 11, 2020
It has been three long years since you left us. We miss you more each day than the last.
A star so bright, your spirit has come to be and it is there for us to see.
We love you!
Claudia and Family
Ann Penman Gustafson
May 11, 2019
Claudia and Family......
What a beautiful, well written poem to Bill, the love of your life. I am sure He, along with many others, continues to watch over you and your loved ones!
Sending LOVE
Ann & Family
May 8, 2019
Im so sorry for your loss. Your love for him is evident. May the God of comfort bring some measure of peace and comfort to your family. Hosea 13:14
April 23, 2019
May 11, 2019
Today is the second anniversary of the day that I lost you. For a time it felt as though my life had ended too. Now I face each day with hope and happy memories to help me on my way. Although I am full of sadness that you are no longer here, your influence still guides me and I will always feel you near. What we shared will never die as it lives within my heart. It brings me strength and comfort while we are apart.
Love you always,
Claudia
May 13, 2018
January 22, 1952 ~
May 11, 2017
Williamston, Michigan
A long year has passed since you left us and we will always miss:
•Your love of family
•Your smile
•Your laugh
•Your sense of humor
•Your giving spirit
•Your integrity
•Your knowledge
• Your way of making everything better
Forever in our hearts,
Claudia, Jason, Megan, Tiffany, Chris, Alexander, Mason, Caleb, and Logan
May 13, 2018
January 22, 1952 ~
May 11, 2017
Williamston, Michigan
A long year has passed since you left us and we will always miss:
•Your love of family
•Your smile
•Your laugh
•Your sense of humor
•Your giving spirit
•Your integrity
•Your knowledge
•Your way of making everything better
Forever in our hearts,
Claudia, Jason, Megan, Tiffany, Chris, Alexander, Mason, Caleb, and Logan
May 12, 2018
P. Lloyd
May 8, 2018
Dear Claudia, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved heart partner. May you be blessed with sweet and humorous memories of Bill. What a wonderful man. What a beautiful couple.
May your 'new normal' be filled with Beautiful Blessings- Pamela Lloyd
William Johnson
June 28, 2017
I only heard about this last night at the ISACA social gathering. I'm so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great man, a mentor and a friend. I learned so much from him. As a boss he did such a great job pushing me, helping mold me into the professional I am today. He was the guy who got me into making presentations, being comfortable speaking to professional groups. I will never be the speaker that Bill was but everytime I do it, I do a little to carry on his tradition.
Nancy & Jim Georgelis
May 24, 2017
May the fond memories of Bill bring you everlasting peace. You will be in our thoughts & prayers.
Jay Georgelis
May 24, 2017
Megan, Claudia & Jason,
I was so saddened when I learned of Bill's passing. While my memory is no longer clear on specifics, I do remember Bill's kindness & warmth. I am glad you had him as a husband & father for many years, though like you've probably said numerous times, it's a tragic & hreatbreaking loss as there should have many more.
Megan, it was wonderful to see you. You have the same energy and warmth I remember feeling from your dad. I am saddened that we met again after so many years due to such terrible circumstances, however, I am happy to have reconnected. I am here if you need someone to simply listen.
Again, my deepest condolences for your loss. May Christ our God be with all of you as you forge a new 'normal.'
.
.
Byron Lund
May 23, 2017
Dear Family of Bill and Friends of Bill, I was a teacher at Cyprus High School while Bill was a student. He was a student that you never can forget. He had a cheerful and enthusiastic approach to life, along with such a mature and caring personality. He was a member of the Key Club service organization to which I was the faculty adviser. Each Wednesday we could send two students to the Bonneville Kiwanis Club in downtown Salt Lake, composed of the top business leaders. Most students didn't feel comfortable in that social atmosphere. So Bill and Charlie Fratto went almost every other week to hobnob with the business leaders. I think that attitude led to greater successes for both Bill and Charlie. Bill was manager of the basketball team and when Bill's class graduated Coach Smuin was upset, not about the players that were moving on, but that he was losing the association and presence of his "assistant coach", Bill. I know that we are lesser, as is society, for Bill's passing, but the memories of his greatness can sustain us all.
Kim Dyches
May 21, 2017
Bill and I were friends in high school. Bill's laugh would always make laugh so hard my sides ached. He was one of the wittiest friends I've ever known. He was a beloved friend and I am saddened by his passing..
David Johnson
May 21, 2017
I had the great privilege of working with Bill at First Security Corporation in Salt Lake City over 30 years ago. Although I bleed blue, Bill was always gracious as a Ute to me his BYU friend. His laugh was infectious and he brought out the best in all. I have great memories of him and his skills and abilities. I'm a better man because of Bill. My wife and I pray the Lord's richest blessings and abundance of peace upon Claudia and all of Bill's family and friends.
Jay Monson
May 20, 2017
I had the pleasure of having Bill in my 6th Grade class at old Webster School in Magna. I know all of the Papanikolas Family and they made major contributions to Magna, Utah, and far beyond. Bless them all.
Karen Anastasopoulos
May 20, 2017
Dear Claudia, Jason, Megan & Family,
George and I are very saddened to hear the sad news of dear Bill's passing.
As a Sunday School teacher at Holy Trinity in Salt Lake City, Bill played a pivotal role for me. His leadership skills were both supportive and compassionate. Apostoli sends his condolences to Megan. May his memory be eternal.
Love,
Karen Anastasopoulos
Diana Henthorne-Stoddard
May 17, 2017
I am a fellow transplanted Utahn and Ute, who worked closely with Bill for many years at Sparrow, until my own retirement in 2014. He was a valued professional colleague and personal friend. I never fail to think of him when I return to Utah or when the Utes are playing-that will never change. I will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family. I am glad he is going home.
Diana Henthorne-Stoddard
Elaine Zambos
May 17, 2017
I am so shocked and sadden of Bill's passing as he was way too young and it hits so close to home. We go WAY back to our times in Magna! The Papanikolas family lived up the street from my Yiayia and Papou and my mom and her sisters. And every morning Bills's mom Helen would go down to my Yiayia and give her her insulin shots. And Bill (and his wife Claudia) and his sister Annetta and my brothers and I were all involved in Demolay and Job's Daughter (Annetta was my Big Sister) and they were the best of times! I remember Bill formed a flag football team for Job's Daughters and coaching us was not easy...what a bunch of GOOFS we were and not coordinated at ALL but we always had a great time! My thoughts and prayers go out to Claudia and his family and Annetta and her family. May his memory be eternal!
Chuck Karpakis
May 17, 2017
I remember Bill fondly as a scout leader for us boys in Magna. Later he helped coach our football teams at Cyprus. He was a faithful servant of our Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake. He was a neighbor in friend in Murray, Utah. Bill was an enthusiastic, gregarious leader and mentor and friend to many. Always fun to be around him. He will be missed. Blessings to Claudia and his children. May his Memory be Eternal!
Virginia Burke Fish
May 17, 2017
My thoughts and Prayers are with the Papanikolas Family. I was sad to hear of the passing of Bill. I went to High School with him. He was truly a kind and sweet man. He never failed to make sure all the girls got to dance. And your right, his laugh was great. Good times and Good Memories. May you find comfort in the Love and Support you have to help you at this difficult time. RIP Bill
Tim Barrie
May 17, 2017
Today my heart is truly broken. We lost a giant at my employer. My mentor, friend, and at times a second father. He taught me everything I know about healthcare, corporate enterprise, corporate politics, and many aspects of life outside of work. He held me up when I was broken and cheered me on when I was at my best. He was a man with an infectious laugh, sharp mind, a wealth of knowledge, and a kind and gentle soul. Generous in every way possible. I could go on and on. My heart aches not just for my sense of loss, but also for the tremendous loss to all who knew him in and outside of work. I grieve for his wife, children, and grandchildren. I will always have a special place for him in my heart. I held his hand at 11:00 am and wished him a speedy recovery. He passed later that afternoon. Please, hold your loved ones tight and tell them you love them whenever you can. Nothing is promised in this world. RIP Bill. You will be missed dearly.
Sue Shore
May 16, 2017
I miss our early morning conversations, bantering over trivia questions, and your daily phrase, What is happening? You were such a caring, thoughtful person, putting others before yourself and the epitome of a true gentleman! You will always hold a special place in my heart, along with your infectious laugh. Until we meet again someday, my friend. Holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Nick Martin
May 16, 2017
I met Bill this past August when I was hired in here at Sparrow. I quickly found myself spending time in Bill's office as he always had a story, a fun fact, advice or knowledge to share. I am going to miss our conversations dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Kim Roberts
May 16, 2017
Along our journey, we will be confronted with many situations, some filled with joy and some will be filled with heartache. I want to live my life filled with joy and laughter as did my friend Bill. His infectious laugh and weekly stories that always ended with Claudia giving him a swift kick will be treasured forever. Why would anyone challenge Bill or even try to compare the Utes with the Spartans?
No one is ever more themselves than when they really laugh. Bill always made me laugh and this joy and memory will remain with me for the rest of my life. Laugh loud and laugh often!
Shanna Cole
May 16, 2017
Bill was such a nice man. I passed him in the hall almost every day. He always made sure to say hi to me and had a bright smile on his face. We will all miss him!!!
Kris Tzumakas
May 16, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to your family. May his memory be eternal.
Michael Zell
May 15, 2017
I am an inside sales guy and have had many conversations with Bill over the previous year. Our conversations always involved talking abut life and sports, before one of us would look down and say "we only have a few minutes left, maybe it's time to discuss business". :) Very awesome guy whom I always looking forward to talking and I loved his laugh. I definitely see him being the guy that lights up a room when he walks in. My condolences to his family and friends.
Phil Perkins
May 15, 2017
I knew Bill from the IIA Lansing Chapter and he was one of the key members that kept that organization at a high-quality level. Bill was always quick to share a story, include you in the conversation, and his hearty laugh brought joy to every situation. He will be sorely missed, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Lynda Patriarche
May 14, 2017
I had the pleasure of working with Bill for several years. He was one of the kindest people I've ever known. His laugh was bigger than life. I will always remember him fondly, and am glad I had the opportunity to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
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Estes-Leadley Funeral Home - Lansing325 W Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933
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