BOSTON – Vasilios “Bill” Vlachos, 80, of Peabody, died Sunday morning at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Valentini (Kiratzopoulos) Vlachos with whom he shared more than 52 years of marriage. Born in Istiaia, Greece, he was the son of the late Christos and Maria (Mimousi) Vlachos.  He was raised and educated in Greece and after immigrating to the United States in 1957 he lived in Peabody for the past 46 years.

Vasili was a track star in high school, capturing regional titles in his last three years before joining the Greek merchant marines. After a few years of sailing the globe, including trips to Japan and the Middle East, he decided to move to the United States for a better opportunity. He found his uncle on his mother’s side in Boston and began his life in the United States.

Vasili was employed in the restaurant business for over 60 years, starting at Oscar’s in Boston’s financial district and then working for many years at the Allenhurst Restaurant in Danvers, the premier restaurant on the North Shore in the 1960’s, where he was the general manager before his retirement.

Vasili enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, especially at Thanksgiving, and playing and watching soccer. He was a long-time member of the St. Vasilios Men’s Club and during his time at the Allenhurst, he hosted many of their functions. His favorite endeavor was spending time with his grandchildren and sharing in all of their activities from Greek School plays to soccer and baseball games.

Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his two sons, Konstantinos Vlachos and Christos Vlachos, both of Peabody, and by his beloved grandsons, Zachary and Alexander Vlachos of Peabody. He was predeceased by his siblings, Efstathios Vlachos and Aliki Papanikolaou.

His funeral was held at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, in Peabody. His burial took place in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody, followed by the mercy meal at Angelica’s restaurant.