William Z. KANALOS

4 SEP 1926 - 10 NOV 2016

• BIRTH: 4 SEP 1926, Mouriatada, Greece
• DEATH: 10 NOV 2016, Mishawaka, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 6 NOV 1949, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois

INDEX

[N15642] William Z. Kanalos
Sept. 4, 1926 - Nov. 10, 2016
MISHAWAKA - William Z. Kanalos, 90, of Mishawaka, died at 6:40 a.m. Thursday, November 10th, in his residence at Heritage Pointe. Mr. Kanalos was born September 4, 1926, in Mouriatada, Greece, to the late Ioanna and Zacharis Kanellopoulos. On November 6, 1949, in Chicago, he married Betty Argetakes, who preceded him in death in 2014. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Lisa Mousi, and a brother, Father Konstantinos Kanellopoulos, both in Greece. He is survived by his son, Dean C. Kanalos (Anthoula) of Granger; his grandchildren, Sophia Walsh (Andrew) and Eleni Schaefer; and his great-granddaughter, Andriana Walsh; a sister, Efstathia Athanasopoulou; and many nieces and nephews. William “Bill” Kanalos immigrated to the United States from Mouriatada, Greece, in 1947, going through Ellis Island to embark on his American dream. After a brief stay in the seminary, he relocated to Benton Harbor Michigan, where relatives had a restaurant. While working long hours for minimal pay, he educated himself at the South Bend College of Commerce for two years. Met his beloved wife Betty in Chicago and they were married in 1949, while settling in South Bend. Proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1953. Bill was in the restaurant business as an owner or co-owner for fourteen years starting in South Bend, then Tampa FL, and finally in Niles, MI. Working eighteen hour days, and never taking a day off. His cobbler pies became legendary, and introduced Niles to a double decker burger, aka “the Plaza Burger,” before the Big Mac hit the scene. Selling the “original” Plaza restaurant in 1963, he entered the insurance industry with Metropolitan Life in Niles. He sold over a million dollars of insurance coverage his first year, and was honored in Life magazine with the few seasoned veterans who achieved that goal. He went on to set many records, and awarded top salesman in the Midwest region several times. Bill was known in Southwest Michigan for his professional tenacity, honesty, and providing his customers the best service possible. He retired from Met Life, circa 1976. However not one to rest on his laurels, he acquired his real estate license in the 60s. Through business connections and mutual associates, started two corporations and two general partnerships. Between 1966 and 1979, developed two small shopping centers and other local projects that helped expand the Niles township business corridor. Through sheer determination and a never give up attitude, was able to break up the “one commercial bank” monopoly in Niles by getting the state to authorize 1st Commercial of Cassopolis to set up a branch in Niles Township. That was accomplished through petitions and numerous meetings with state officials. The bank name has changed over the years, but still there as Old National. Bill was very active in his church, serving on the board, having been in the choir, serving as cantor for many years, cooking in the kitchen, or working the register at festival time. He was a consistent “anonymous” benefactor to his church, and to those in need at the parish. Also assisted orphanages in his former homeland, while helping families outside his church, as well. His generosity was remarkable! Bill was a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), and a past president of the local chapter. Had been a member of the Lions Club, and Charter member of the Niles Optimist Club. Played a major role with increasing membership of the latter organization bringing in the most new members. His favorite hobby was working in his yard and tending to his garden.His landscaping would be similar to a mini Fernwood in the day, with numerous plants, flowers, and trees. While not a frequent traveler, he cherished his trips to the Holy Land, and holy sites in Greece. He realized his American dream, and his life was always full of family, his beloved Church, and hard work! Bill was very dedicated to God, and this country. If you ever met him, you'd certainly never forget him.We want to thank the staff at Heritage Point (Tara, Katie, and Julie), Center for Hospice (Brittany), Senior Helpers (Marcia and Tina), and a special thank you to Loretta of Real Services. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 15th, in the St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 52455 Ironwood Rd., South Bend, with Rev. George Konstantopoulos officiating. Committal services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, November 14th, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd., where a Trisagion service will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 Published in South Bend Tribune on Nov. 13, 2016