William Nicholas Bacalis

BILL BACALIS passed away peacefully on August 28, at age 91. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia the fifth son of Nicholas and Helen Bacalis. Even though his four brothers were all much older, they were all close and proud to be the Five Bacalis Brothers.

After growing up in Norfolk, he later attended the Greek American Boarding School Pallicary Vedova in Tarrytown, NY. His days at that school were among his happiest, where he developed friendships that would remain through reunions over 80 years. He later attended Maury High School in Norfolk and then Fork Union Military Academy.

His interesting life of travel continued, after attending the University of Richmond he began a career with The Department of State Foreign Service where he was stationed in French Indochina (Vietnam) and traveled Asia & Europe visiting over a dozen countries.

He moved to Jacksonville in the early 1950’s where he met his future wife and FSU grad, Katherine Panos. They were happily married for 66 years. Bill was a happy, adventuresome individual. After over 20 years in hospital administration he became a Multi-Million Dollar producer in Real Estate with Prudential and Watson. His love of people and sense of humor helped him become such a success at selling Real Estate.

Bill was very active in his church, St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church. He served on the Board of Directors of the church as a Board member, President, and was Chairman of the first Greek Festival at the Civic Auditorium in 1979, and again 3 more times. He served as the Business and Industry Chairman of the March of Dimes and he was a proud founding member of the Scholarship Award program of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

Bill and Katherine have two loving children, a daughter Elaine (Scott) Smolken and a son Christopher Bacalis. Their granddaughter Carly Seiler (Justin) recently welcomed Bill's Great Grandson Dallas James Seiler into this beautiful family. Their beloved grandson Jason Smolken who passed away in 2008 remains in their hearts forever.

There will be a Greek Orthodox funeral on Tuesday, September 3rd, at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church at 10:30 a.m. followed immediately by a Mercy Meal at the Church then Interment at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Many thanks are extended to the staff at Grand Living at Tamaya and Community Hospice for their excellent care given to Bill.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, or to the AHEPA Scholarship Socrates Chapter #6 program ; 12760 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, Fl 32246.