- Date Of Birth: April 17, 1939
- Date Of Death: September 18, 2013
- State: Maine
William “Bill” C. Dilios
April 17, 1939
Septemeber 18, 2013
PORTLAND – William “Bill” C. Dilios, 74, of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice in Scarborough with his family by his side.
The son of Christos and Ekaterina (Isou) Dilios, he was born on April 17, 1939 in Politsani, Albania, an ethnic-Greek town near the mountainous border with Greece.
In 1957, after a challenging childhood behind the “iron curtain” in Communist Albania, Bill and his brother James escaped over the mountains into Greece on their third attempt. Reuniting with his father in America, Bill owned and operated Christy’s Restaurant on Cumberland Ave. with his brother until 1975.
Bill purchased Patsy’s Country Store in South Windham with his wife Pat, and they enjoyed a close relationship with their employees and customers for over 15 years. Bill was proud to help his sons, Chris and Andrew, establish The Pizza Barn in Buxton. Another successful food establishment, Bill worked with his sons until his retirement in 1997. In 2009, Bill once again put on an apron to cook with his son, Andrew, at Olympic Pizza in Scarborough.
Bill had a zest for life, and he will be remembered by friends for his quick wit, humor and occasional sarcastic quips. He was very proud to be an American citizen and was forever excited about all this country had to offer, but his heart was always with his family and friends in Politsani. He felt blessed to finally be reunited with his sister, Marianthi Cala, and her family when they emigrated to America in 1991. Bill returned to Politsani with his daughter Kathy for a memorable homecoming in 1992.
Bill was an avid Boston sports fan and enjoyed many trips with his sons and their friends to watch games at Fenway and the old Garden. He indulged in following harness and thoroughbred racing, and he even tried his luck with golf. He was a fantastic candlepin bowler, where his powerful shot and scattering of pins earned him the nickname “Wild Bill.” In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandson Matthew play baseball, soccer and hockey. Bill loved to cook for family and friends, and especially enjoyed passing along those traditions and recipes to his granddaughter, Arianna.
Bill was a Past President and 50-yr member of the H.W. Longfellow Chapter of the Order of AHEPA. He was a 50-yr member of Triangle Lodge, No. 1, A.F. & A.M. Bill was a communicant of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Portland, where he was a former Board member and fixture at the annual Greek Festival.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Patricia (Sampson); children, Christos and his wife Sheila of Portland, Andrew of Scarborough, and Katherina of Gray; brother and best friend, James Dilios and his wife Jean of Windham; grandchildren, Arianna and Matthew Dilios; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to convey their sincere thanks to Dr. Thomas Ryan, Heidi and the staff at MaineHealth Cardiology for their outstanding care, compassion and guidance over the past 17 years. Thanks to Dr. Robert Fraser and Beth at InterMed. A heartfelt thank you to Carrie and Annie at VNA, as well as the staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
American Heart Association
51 US Route One, Suite M
Scarborough, ME 04074
