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Fr. William Zotis

  • On January 13, 2025
  • 4 Comments

Fr William Zotis, 87, born March 9, 1937 in Koutsahera, Greece.  He immigrated to the United States from Greece at the age of 18 and lived the American Dream.  The beloved husband to his wife of nearly 58 years, Mary DiCarlo Zotis, they raised a beautiful family of three daughters and built several successful businesses including a bakery, The Big Z Diner and Trotters Restaurant in Washington, Pennsylvania.  His family was always his first priority.

Bill was a proud veteran of The United States Army, where he served as a cook, among other various capacities.  His stories from his time in the Army were always interesting and entertaining.

Throughout his life, Bill was a warm, generous and forgiving person.  He lived with an indomitable spirit and was delighted to discuss politics, business or life in general with anyone who had the time to invest.  Bill was a huge proponent of education and always encouraged family and friends to attain the highest level of education possible.

Later in life, Bill enjoyed the last 35+ years as a Greek Orthodox priest, feeling blessed to give back to the Greek community.  He would be known to say, “It’s good to participate”.

Bill greatly cherished and is survived by his wife Mary, his daughters Litsa Zotis, DDS (Ray Middleman, Esq.), Christina McArdle, DPM (John McArdle), JoAnn Hajnosz, DPM (Christopher Hajnosz, DPM), his grandchildren Maria Hanley, Esq. (Jacob Hanley, Esq.), Eleni Werner, DDS (William Werner), William Carr, Samantha McArdle, Richard Carr, Donald McArdle, Mary McArdle, Elliana Hajnosz, Ava Hajnosz, Marina Hajnosz and great grandson John William “Jack” Hanley as well as the expectant arrival of a great granddaughter in February.

William lived a Blessed life.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 3-8 pm at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 123 Gilkeson Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. A Trisagion Service will be held at 7 pm.  Liturgy will be held in church on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 9 am. Additional visitation will follow from 10 am until the time of service at 11 am.  Interment to follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Iconography Fund, 123 Gilkeson Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228.

 

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4 Comments

John Zotis
Cousin Bill was someone I looked up to when I was growing up. He came into my life when I was 6 years old and became a part of our family the second he put his feet down in Pittsburgh. We grew up together as he was always around me, dinners, parties, etc. Bill was like having an older brother. I liked the times he would sit with me and watch the Three Stooges and the laugh, oh my, that infectious laugh he had. I watched Bill as he entered into different stages of his life, a life where he didn't know the meaning of sitting down and just relax. There were the afternoons my parents would load my siblings and I into the car along with Bill as we saw him off at the train station in Pittsburgh to serve in the Army. That was not the beginning of his hard work ethics. He was a determined person who wanted in the worst way to make something of himself and from one enterprise to the next he made it. You know what, through it all he never lost his ability to laugh. Yes, the same Three Stooges laugh from many years ago. I'll miss seeing you Bill. Please say hello to my mother and father when you see them.
Nick Kokales
Father was such a kind man, and a gentleman in every way. He will be missed.
Tammy Backeris
Dear Mary and Family, deepest sympathies at Fr. Bill’s passing. What a full life he lived with you by his side! What a humble, kind person he was! May your memories of him bring you comfort and may he rest in peace.
Electra Markopoulos
We were truly saddened to hear of Fr. Zotis death. He was a true example of a life well lived. May his memory be eternal. Electra & Greg Markopoulos
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