William Kalanges

With immense and enduring pride, we remember the incredible life of William C. Kalanges – universally known as Bill – who graced his family and community with the gifts of his infectious personality, iconic career, and tremendous generosity from July 26, 1942 until Sunday, March 5, 2023.
Bill was a deeply committed husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a prodigious real estate broker and investor, and a local activist who spent the majority of his personal and professional life in Essex Junction, VT – the city whose fabric he sewed over six decades of audacious entrepreneurship.
Bill's bright sociability caught the attention of local developers who frequented his brother's general store (Tip Top News) in the early 1960s, forging the connections that propelled him into his storied real estate career. As the developers built homes to meet demand following IBM's arrival in Essex Junction, they trusted Bill to help hundreds of families settle into them.
Bill went on to develop several groundbreaking residential communities in Essex Junction – including Plaza Parke, Royal Parke, Colonial Park, Lincolnville, and Crescent Lane Apartments. He also built and owned several prominent commercial properties – including Towne Marketplace, 15-17 Main Street, 11-15 Maple Street, and 38 Park Street. Bill's lasting sphere of influence on the landscape of Essex Junction will always be undeniable.
While he was a motivated businessperson, Bill carried tremendous compassion for his family, friends and community. His involvement with the Champlain Valley Exposition is a quintessential story that perhaps defines him best. Bill loved going to the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction as a child, and as an adult, he took an interest in its administration.
When Bill discovered that the Fair's janitorial staff (who made their living on tips) was not only unpaid, but also assessed concessions fees – he threatened legal action. The next year, the Fair began paying these staff members instead of charging them. Bill continued to play an activist role for decades, accumulating stock, running for leadership positions and questioning the methods of the administration. It's a perfect example of how Bill never compromised his beliefs, and used his talent and wit for the greater good.
Bill was also a harness racing enthusiast, and owned many horses that raced at Saratoga Raceway, Blue Bonnets Raceway, and county fairs across Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire. He loved each horse he owned, and treated them like family members – often naming them after his family and community.
Bill was born in Burlington, and moved to Essex Junction in 1947 with his parents and two brothers. He spoke only Greek until he learned to speak English going to the schools in Essex Junction. His father Charles was a chef at the Lincoln Inn, while his mother Clara ran several restaurants in Burlington with her family.
In 1964, Bill and his first wife Mary welcomed two twin daughters, Cindy and Wendy. Ten years later, Bill met the love of his life, Maryjean, at the Olde Board restaurant and nightclub in South Burlington. Bill and Maryjean got married in June 1975, welcomed their son Charles in 1984, and daughter Jennifer in 1986. Bill completely adored Maryjean, who was his unwavering advocate every day for almost 50 years, and they remained deeply and famously in love for the rest of his life.
Bill's children and grandchildren all took on his playful yet competitive style, which he often imparted through games – most notably, ping pong. He kept a table in the basement of his office and home, and played countless spirited matches against family, friends and colleagues. His unique ability to build excitement in each moment created a dramatic, memorable environment for friends and family in attendance.
Bill often ended his conversations with one of his favorite parting phrases – "that's a big 10-4." On behalf of his family, friends and community – we wish him a big 10-4, and will carry his legacy forward with vim and vigor.
Bill is survived by his wife Maryjean, children Cindy Godin and spouse Scott, Wendy, Charles and Jennifer Kalanges, grandchildren Ashley Neary and spouse Ryan, Nicholas Godin and spouse Kaylen Davidson, Alexander Godin and fiancée Lucy Lincoln, Zachariah Godin, Jacob and Kylee Hope, great grandchildren Lydia, Emery and Natalie Neary, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and brother Louis. He was pre-deceased by his brothers George Marchacos and Gerald Kalanges, and sisters Marjorie Kalanges and Beatrice Spartos.
A private service will be held for Bill in the coming days.