Obituary of Bill Nicholas Ameredes

Bill “Vasso” Nicholas Ameredes, 86 of Akron Ohio, formerly of Weirton, WV, passed away Monday, August 5, 2013. Born August 26, 1927 in Weirton, WV, he was a son of the late Theodore and Theodora Ameredes, and was preceded by his wife Mary Sotraidis Ameredes, 86, also of Akron, Ohio, and Weirton, WV, as well as brothers Gus, Haritan, and Harry Ameredes, and sisters Mary Ameredes, and Beba Kono (nee Ameredes). Bill is survived by sons Bill T. Ameredes (Cynthia) of League City, TX, and Timothy M. Ameredes (Olivia) of Upper Arlington, OH, five grandchildren (Patricia, Marybeth, Christiana, Serena, and Elena), numerous nieces and nephews, and godchildren. Bill graduated from Weirton High School (1944) as a 4-yr letterman in football, and was an art student of Robert Haworth, a renowned art teacher in the Ohio Valley area. Bill served in the United States Navy from 1945-1947, earned his B.A. at Anderson College in Physical Education in 1951, and a M.A. in Education at Ball State University in 1954. In 1998, he was inducted into the Anderson University Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the first football team fielded in 1947. He was named All-Conference for 3 years, had his jersey retired and was nominated for Little All-American, in 1950. Over nearly 40 years, Bill was a teacher, counselor, and coach to numerous students at high schools of Tallmadge, Cleveland Heights, Buckeye Local, Twinsburg, and St. Vincent/St. Mary’s, in the Akron area. Bill was a member of the Akron Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for over 50 years, was a choir member nearly all of that time, and baptized numerous godchildren. He founded the Asia Minor Hellenic American Society (AMHAS) in 1994, helping to preserve and honor the history of the Greek-American immigrants from Asia Minor. He was an active painter and sculptor whose works are featured in Akron, Ohio, and at the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center. He always emphasized the positive in his social interactions, and people of all ages have consistently commented that they always felt that they learned something when they spoke with him. He will be dearly missed by all of the people whose lives he touched. Family and friends will be received for calling hours of 5 to 8 PM, Thursday August 8th, 2013 at Redmon Funeral Home in Stow, OH, where Trisagion Service will be held at 7:30 PM. Additional visitation will be held Friday, August 9, 2013 from 10:30 AM until the 11 AM funeral services at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 South Union Street Akron, OH 44304. The Reverend Father Jerry Hall will officiate. Following the traditional Macario Luncheon, interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Weirton, WV. Memorial contributions may be made to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 South Union Street, Akron, OH 44304 or to Asia Minor Hellenic Society, 2418 Stockbridge Road, Akron 44313.