A loyal and easygoing man who treated everyone with kindness
MELROSE — William T. “Spero” Fondulis, a longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at age 91.
William was born in Melrose on October 8, 1929, one of six children of the late Thomas Fondulis and Frances (Voyiatzis) Fondulis. A Melrose native, Spero graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1947. He worked for several years before enlisting in the United States Army on April 5, 1951. He served his country with loyalty and dedication, and received an honorable discharge in 1953. In recognition of his service, he was a recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star. On the GI Bill, Spero then received training in Boston to become a licensed Electrician. Spero diligently worked as an Electrician and Foreman primarily for the Revere Sugar Refinery in Charlestown for many years.
Spero settled with his wife, Betty, in Melrose and started a family of five children. Always busy with home projects, he could fix anything and renovated every room in the house that he lived in for nearly 60 years. For many years, he was known in Melrose through his television repair service, Fondulis Brothers TV & Radio which he owned with his late brother, Christy. He was a member of the Harold O. Young VFW Post #2394 and took pride in attending Melrose events for veterans. He also loved listening to Greek music, fishing stories, watching wrestling and traveling, especially trips with family to Las Vegas, Aruba, and Greece. A son of Greek immigrants, Spero always held his roots close to his heart. He was a member for over 50 years of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Woburn.
Spero was forever loyal, easygoing, and treated everyone with kindness and respect. He cherished his family, spending time with his grandchildren and especially enjoyed coffee with his favorite nephew, Johnny. A source of strength and love for his family, he was someone everyone relied on for his empathy and generosity. Spero will be deeply missed, but his humble nature and kind heart will be forever remembered by his family and friends.
Spero was the beloved husband of Betty (Vasiliki Stavroulea) Fondulis with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Devoted father of Tom Fondulis and his wife, Melissa of Scituate; Jim Fondulis and his wife, Elene of Malden; Nick Fondulis and his wife, Diana of Saugus; Laura Garabedian and her husband, Len of Winchester; and Stacia Frederick of Melrose. Dear brother of Helen Keegan, Despo Vagianos, and the late Christy Fondulis, Sophie Filaretos, and George Fondulis. Cherished grandfather of Calista, William, Vasiliki, Athena, Sophia, Alexander, Lukas, Ashley, Haley, Christopher, Delia, and James. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends were invited to gather during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, July 18 from 2-6 p.m., and for his funeral service at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn on Monday, July 19 at 10 a.m.. Interment with military honors presented by the US Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Those wishing to make a charitable gift in memory of William may do so to Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn or Melrose High Permanent Scholarship Fund, Class of 1947. For online tribute please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
