Bill Thomas Sarandos

Bill Thomas Sarandos (Vasilios Athanasios Papasarantopoulos), born on April 23, 1934, in the charming and picturesque village of Vasilitsi, Messinia, Greece, departed this world on April 28, 2025, in Ogden, Utah, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, laughter, and faith. Bill was a devoted and adoring husband, exceptional father, and wonderful papou.

Bill was born to Athanasios and Konstantina Papasarantopoulos and later experienced the effects of the Second World War while growing up in his hillside village.

Bill grew up helping his parents cultivate their land, which consisted of farming their olive groves and small vineyard. At the young age of 17, Bill traded the familiar sunlit shores of his youth to journey to Athens, Greece and worked as a skilled carpenter. He always loved the hustle and bustle of a big city. At age 20, Bill crossed the ocean for the unknown promise of America, where his Uncle Bill (William G. Sarandos) was waiting for him in Ogden, Utah.

In July 1961, Bill met Paraskevi (“Voula”) Krania, the love of his life, in Koroni, Greece. They were engaged twenty minutes after they met and married shortly thereafter. Later, Bill and Voula had two children whom they raised with love, pride, and joy.

For four decades, Bill was employed as a machinist for Southern Pacific Railroad, which he pursued with unparalleled dedication. His efforts were a vital thread in the fabric of commerce, demonstrating not only his industriousness but also his unwavering commitment to getting things done. Bill epitomized the spirit of hard work and perseverance.

Bill’s life was rich with memories, particularly those from days spent on the golden sands and crystal blue waters of Memi Beach, where he collected rocks of every shape and color. Bill delighted in road trips, vacations to Greece, and Las Vegas where he enjoyed the thrill of trying his luck at the slot machines. He had a spirited passion for his beloved Utah Jazz. Bill’s heart swelled with pride in his Greek heritage, a facet of his identity that he instilled in his children and grandson. Bill was devoted to his Greek Orthodox faith and a member of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church community in Ogden, Utah.

Those who knew Bill will remember his generous and loving nature as well as his quick wit that could bring a smile to anyone’s face. A natural leader, Bill instilled values of resilience and dedication in his children, whom he regarded as his proudest accomplishments. The success of his children, Dena and Pete, reflected his commitment and love. Bill’s family was the centerpiece of his life.

In mourning Bill’s passing, we also celebrate a life richly lived—a life that reminds us of the beauty of shared moments, the strength of community, and the profound impact of unconditional love. Now, Bill’s journey comes full circle: he returns to the eternal shores he never forgot; to the sunlit beaches and endless blue waters that shaped his dreams and carried his spirit. Bill Thomas Sarandos will be remembered with love and gratitude, his soul forever at peace where the land meets the sea.

Bill is survived by Voula, his devoted wife of 63 years, whose partnership and love have been a beacon through their shared journey; his children, Dena Sarandos (Arden Bruce) and Pete (Stella) Sarandos; and grandson, Vasili Sarandos. He is also survived by his brother, George Sarandos; and his sister, Nicoletta Souma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Athanasios and Konstantina Papasarantopoulos; his brother, Anastasios Papasarantopoulos; his sister, Christina Christopoulos; his uncle, William Sarandos; and numerous family members in Greece.

The funeral service will be on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 674 42nd St. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 674 42nd Street, Ogden, Utah 84403. https://www.tgoc.ut.goarch.org/

May Bill’s memory be eternal.