William Vasilios Ladopoulos
July 31, 1927 ~ April 17, 2023 (age 95) 95 Years Old
Obituary
William "Bill" was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. Serving in the Greek Royal Air Force, Bill followed in his father’s footsteps as a toolmaker/machinist. In 1953, after the war as a part of the Marshall Plan, Bill had an opportunity to become an exchange student with 29 other Greek men and learn modern industrialization in the Great Lakes region of the US, finishing his studies in Cleveland, Ohio at Fenn College (Cleveland State).
Bill’s life changed when he was introduced to Tula (nee Fourmas) and her Greek family with a similar background of being Asia Minor Greeks. In 1954 they were married by the Justice of the Peace, and then again on May 29, 1955 at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.
Becoming a Journeyman Tool Maker through Ford Motor Company, and becoming a Naturalized Citizen of the US in 1958 he was proud of his three children and provided for their college educations. Retiring in 1994 after over 40 years with Ford Motor Company, Bill has enjoyed retirement for the past 29 years with the love of his life, going on bus trips, occasional visits to casinos, scratching off lottery tickets, and most of all eating. Bill was an avid gardener and anyone who knew him knew of his abundant seasonal crop of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and peppers.
He truly lived the American dream-in the best sense of the words. His work and his children made this country a better place. His culture that he loved and taught his children enriches our society. He had a life and marriage and kids that would be the envy of millions. He was a lucky man.
Bill was blessed with three children Tom (Coleen), Frances Ann (Marty) Telich, and Paul; and with four grandchildren, Nicole (Carl), Liz (Joe), Alexander, and Leah. And, recently with a great-granddaughter Claire.
All funeral services will be held at 1pm Monday, April 24th, at
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
22909 Center Ridge Rd., Rocky River
where the family will receive friends from 12 Noon until time of services.
Reverend Father Andrew Lentz officiating.
Interment Lakewood Park Cemetery
Arrangements under the care of CANNON - CATAVOLOS Funeral Home of Parma Heights.
For online tributes and condolences please visit www.C-Cfuneralhome.com
Services
Visitation
MondayApril 24, 2023
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
22909 Center Ridge Rd.
Rocky River, OH 44116
Funeral Service
MondayApril 24, 2023
1:00 PM
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
22909 Center Ridge Rd.
Rocky River, OH 44116
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