William G. Aliapoulos

ALIAPOULOS William G. William G. Aliapoulos passed away October 20, 2008, in The Toledo Hospital. He was born August 13, 1917, to George and Despina Aliapoulos in Manchester, NH. After graduating from high school he briefly attended Brookline Seminary in Massachusetts in hopes of becoming a Greek Orthodox Priest. He realized that the priesthood was not for him and enrolled in the University of New Hampshire. In 1942 World War II broke out and he enlisted in the Army. He was chosen for Officer's Candidate School and upon graduation became a Second Lieutenant. While Bill was overseas he was part of the 23rd U.S. Special Troops the only tactical deception unit of the American Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement. In 1942 Bill met the love of his life, Franny. He named his army jeep "Paper Doll" after her. After his discharge from the Army, they married in 1945 and settled in Toledo. Bill began working at Surface Combustion an engineering firm. He attended classes in the evening at UT for 17 years and graduated with a mechanical engineering degree. During that period their two daughters, Elaine and Jodi were born. Bill loved his girls and taught them sports such as ice skating and swimming. Bill was also an avid golfer and skier. Bill was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Fort Industry Masonic Lodge, The Toastmasters, and the Order of Ahepa. Early in their marriage, Franny's eyes began to fail and Bill was constantly by her side Throughout their marriage they were inseparable, making friends wherever they went. Bill was such an incredibly devoted husband. Bill had 2 granddaughters, Kristi and Alexandra whom he loved dearly. He loved playing with them and was a wonderful and attentive "Papou". He was such a caring man and would frequently call his relatives and friends just to see how they were doing. When Franny became ill, Bill visited her every day sitting with her, dining with her, and just holding her hand. When she passed away in March his heart was broken. Bill had a deep love of his family, his faith and his country. He always would say "Try to do what's right". He was a friend to all who knew him and a true gentlemen. He was a kind man of great integrity and humility and a shining example of how we should all live our lives. He has taught us how to love and most of all how to live. We will always be eternally grateful to have him as our Dad. He was predeceased by his parents; wife of 63 years, Franny and sisters, Emily, Mary and Irene. He is survived by his daughters, Elaine (George) Scarvelis, Jodi (Dan) Frutiger; granddaughters, Kristi and Alexandra and many loving nieces and nephews. "Dad we'll never forget you And although we're apart, You always will be living Here deep in our hearts" Friends are invited to visit from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue where Trisagion Prayers will be said at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 802 N. Superior, Toledo, Ohio 43604. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Online condolences may be made at www.ansberg-west.com