1926 - 2018
Visitation
October 30, 201810:30AM - 12:30 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
October 30, 201812:30 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
William George Koumantzelis passed away peacefully in Lowell on October 23, 2018, at the age of 92.
Billy was born on March 26, 1926. He was the third of seven children born to his parents George Koumantzelis and Georgia (Makris) Koumantzelis, who emigrated to the United States in 1909 from Verdikousa and Traganon, Greece respectively.
His parents lived in Nashua for a short time; before moving to Lowell where Billy was born and raised and lived his entire life. He was a graduate of Lowell High School. Billy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII. He worked most of his adult life as a heavy equipment operator at Fort Devens in Ayer, MA.
He was married to Claire Marie (Talanian) of Haverhill. She was his loving and devoted wife until she passed away in 1995 after succumbing to lung cancer. They were inseparable and together they built a solid, stable and loving foundation for their six children. Their children, John, Michael, Nicholas, Gia, Tony and Lee were the center of their lives.
In their free time, they enjoyed going on long Sunday drives throughout New England, and visiting family on summer vacations to beach destinations in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. Together they made their home a warm and welcoming place for their large extended family and friends.
As a young father, Billy was passionate about and involved in youth sports. He was active in youth baseball and for several years coached his sons in the Acre Youth Organization (AYO). As a coach, he took great pride in mentoring his players, many of whom were also of Greek heritage. His special bond with many of his young players continued into their adulthood.
For many years he was an active member of and contributor to the Lowell Boys Club. He loved to go to the Club to box, swim, lift weights and socialize with his many friends, young and old. He was so proud when he was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his community service work at the Boys Club.
Dedication to his family, a pure love of sports, a love of exploration and travel by car and involvement in local politics were hallmarks of his long life.
He was predeceased by his son, Michael who died in 1980 at the age of 25, in Okinawa, Japan, while serving in the US Navy. He was also predeceased by his older brothers Albert, John, his only sister, Joanne Leonsis, and his younger brother Nicholas. Billy is survived by his brother Arthur and his wife Vaia of Lincoln, his brother Christos and his wife Iris of Andover and his sister-in-law Georgia Koumantzelis of Lowell.
He leaves behind his son John and daughter-in-law Jean of Lowell and their three children, Beth, Kate and Billy, his son Nick of Lowell, his daughters Gia of Bethlehem, NH and Lee of South Dennis, MA, his son Tony and daughter-in-law Barbara of Dracut and their two children, Michael and Sarah and one great grandchild, Olivia Claire. He leaves behind his longtime companion, Genevieve Regan of Pelham, NH, and her four children. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Bill.
His visiting hours will be Tuesday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM followed by a Funeral Service at 12:30 PM at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 Middlesex St., Chelmsford, MA. Burial in Westlawn Cemetery, Lowell. Donations in his name can be made to The American Cancer Society 30 Speen St. Framingham MA 01701or to The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell 657 Middlesex St. Lowell, MA 01851. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
William Arvanites
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So sorry to hear of his passing. I remember the old days at Shaughnessy Terrace. Bill Arvanites
Rebecca Procopio Hallissy
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Our deepest sympathies to the Koumantzelis and Regan families.
Peter and Rebecca Hallissy
gary destramp
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so sorry for your loss. i’m sure he’s happy to be back with your mom.
Diane Sonberg
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Thinking of all of you. Uncle Bill had a wonderful long life full of family and friends. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell.
Ken and Diane Sonberg
Audrey Hogan
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My deepest sympathy for Koumantzelis family. So many fond memories while babysitting the Koumantzelis kids.
Audrey (Gelarderes) Hogan
Katherine Chaisson
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Sorry for your loss. With Deepest Sympathy.
The Chaisson Family
Cliff Whalen
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I am very sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. Billy was a wonderful man and a man of tremendous class. I’m in Florida until Friday so unfortunately I won’t be able to attend Billy’s wake or funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with Billy’s family. Cliff Whalen
Brent Mason
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It was such an honour to meet and get to know Billy and Gen when we came to Lowdll to film a doc on Jack Kerouac in 2007. We hit it off and stayed in touch. It was great to have them come visit us in Canada. Billy was a great guy whose company I truly enjoyed. RIp Billy- you are remembered.
Kathleen Pierce
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I interviewed Bill for a Lowell Sun story on his childhood buddy, Jack Kerouac. I remember JK gifted him a signed, original copy of On The Roaf and Bill said “ I never read it. Is it any good?” He was very old Lowell, tried & true.
Jerry bisantz
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Billy was a great man. He really enjoyed listening to jazz at Ricardo’s where I was honored to make his acquaintance and meet his wonderful and beautiful friend Genevievre. Billy allowed Image Theater to use pictures from his old fighting days for our set for our play “ Tapped Out”. He met with our actors after the show and they were thrilled to meet him. Such a great man! We are losing our best, we really are!
Pam Flower
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Dear John, Jean, Nick, Gia, Tony, Barbara and Lee,
I am sincerely sorry not to be joining you at the service today. I have extremely fond memories of talking with Uncle Bill at our holiday gatherings. He always expressed genuine interest and had kind words and a laugh to share. I feel very lucky to be part of such a warm extended family.
Pam and Craig Flower
Suzanne McCormac
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Dear John, Gia, Lee, Tony, and Nick
My condolences on the passing of Uncle Bill. I have fond memories of him and always loved his stories. Sending light and love during this grieving process.
All my best,
Suzy, Chloe and Ian
Al Patterson
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I am very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are are with Koumantzelis family. Bill was a great mentor and coach in the AYO.
David Daniel
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I was very sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. My connection to him was relatively brief compared to some of his long-time friends and family, but I cherish the time I did know him. His grandson Mike was a student of mine, and Mike often talked of his grandfather. Mike knew of my interest in Jack Kerouac and he put me in touch with Billy, whose connection with the great writer was legendary. I will never forget the kindness and hospitality that Billy and Genevieve showed me when I visited them in their home. Billy was a wonderful storyteller and a great all around human being. — David Daniel