PITTSFIELD, Mass. — William Paul Athanasulis (Bill Athans) of Pittsfield, Mass., 51, died Wednesday, August 30, 2017.

He was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on May 4, 1966, the son of Paul William and Corrine Rose (Fiato) Athanasulis. The family moved to Florida in 1980. Bill graduated from Dunedin High School in Dunedin, Florida. He worked as a manager at E&B/West Marine for 10 years then followed his entrepreneurial spirit. He founded Thunder Bay Pool and Spa, Inc., then Greylock Management, Inc., where he invested and traded futures until his death. 

Bill married Maria (Brunner) on October 16, 1999. Their lives were filled with the love of music, New England, family, friends and their beloved animals. In 2012, Bill was diagnosed with Lung Cancer with Metastases. He survived impossible odds, so he and Maria brought to reality the dream of having a second home in Massachusetts. 

Bill was welcomed Home by the Lord on August 30, 2017, from the place he loved the most. “He will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” (Revelation 21:4). 

Bill is survived by his wife, Maria (Brunner), his sisters, Paula Athans and Christine Russo; his great-aunt Pota Heliotis; many extended family and friends; and his therapy companions Quincy, Smokey, Pippin and Sheldon. 

Funeral notice: A Resurrection Mass to honor his earthly and heavenly life will be celebrated on October 14, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Phillippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, Florida, 34695. 

Contributions in memory of Bill can be made to The Humane Society of the United States in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.