William "Bill" Geranios, 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at his home in Saratoga surrounded by his family -- the "love of his life" of 57 years, Connie, his four children John, Maria, Kathy and Chrissie, son-in laws, and what he believed to be nine of the world's most spectacular grandchildren.

Bill was born in Great Falls, Montana to Rose and George Geranios who emigrated from Strezova and Kalamata Greece respectively. It is said that "you can take the boy out of Montana, but you can't take Montana out of the boy." With younger brother Alexander Geranios and older brother the late Peter Geranios the family moved to California in the 1940's with Montana sized dreams. The family didn't know it at the time but their new life would exceed their highest hopes.

For a short time, Bill lived with his favorite Aunt Olympia in San Francisco. He arrived in San Francisco at the conclusion of World War II -- just in time for the V-day celebrations in 1946. The family moved to Commonwealth Avenue in Los Angeles where he was active in church, school and community activities. He completed high school at Belmont High School where he was elected senior class president and composed the school's fight song.

Meticulous, analytical, precise and thorough in nature, he attended UCLA where he pursued engineering. He was an instructor in the US Air Force, stationed in Biloxi Mississippi rising to the rank of Staff Sargent.

He attended a GOYA dance at St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles where boys clustered on one side of the hall and girls on the other. Bill and his friends inched their way closer to the girl's side of the room where he overheard the cutest girl in the group say "aren't any of these guys going to dance?" He sheepishly asked the newly arrived beauty from St. Paul, Minnesota, to dance -- and so began a wonderful 57-year journey together.

Over the years, Bill worked as an engineer at Douglas Aircraft and Lockheed. He was an entrepreneur at heart, assisting his brothers Alex and Peter launch Geranios Grocery in San Francisco, creating the brokerage firm Geranios Realty and later building the educational firm, EAC, Inc.

His faith guided his life and was at the core of all he did.  While Bill was honored as "Father of the Year" in 1987 by the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church he was exemplary role model, counselor, advisor and father-figure to many children and young adults over his lifetime.

He was a leader in the growth and development of St. Nicholas where he was involved in virtually every ministry of the parish – serving over 20 years as teacher and superintendent, chair of the Fr. John Berris Golf Tournament, festival leadership as well as other fundraising events – and the enthusiastic tenor in the St. Nicholas choir.

He cherished his wife, his grandchildren … and his ski boat. Passing on family boating and outdoor traditions to his grandchildren Christine, Dena, George, William, Maria, Victoria, Kathy, Alex and Kiki. The world has also lost one great waffle-maker – where his elaborate, multi-step, two-day waffle extravaganzas were legendary.

The Geranios, Scolinos, Pappas & Zeppos families welcome all to attend and celebrate the life of Bill Geranios. Visitation will be held from 7pm to 8pm on Friday, December 8, 2017 with Trisagion Services to follow at 8pm. Funeral Services will be held at 10am on Saturday, December 9, 2017. Both services will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260-80 Davis Street, San Jose, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Church Office, 986 Chapman St. San Jose, CA 95126 CA 95126 would be appreciated.