In Memoriam: William P. Sakellaropoulos

William P. “Billy the Greek” Sakellaropoulos, 78, husband of the late Ann B. (Baronoff) Sakellaropoulos, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2023, at Reading Hospital.

Billy Sakellaropoulos

Born in Athens, Greece, he was the son of the late Pericles Sakellaropoulos and Maria (Komninos) Sakellaropoulos.

William was a member of the “Y.R.” Club in Wyomissing and a member of the SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading. He has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter since 2010.

He owned and operated many eating establishments throughout his life.

Surviving is his daughter Keely DeAngelis, of Boyertown; son Periklis Sakellaropoulos, of Athens, Greece; sister Christine Zeritis, of Athens, Greece.

Services will be held privately by the family at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society Of Berks County (https://www.petlists.org/shelters/humane-society-of-berks-county-reading-pa) in William’s name.

AHEPAN Tony Phyrillas to be honored by Reading High School Alumni Association

One of our AHEPA Chapter members will be honored as a Distinguished Alumni at the Reading High School Alumni Association Annual Reunion and Recognition Banquet on Saturday, May 20, 2023. 

Tony Phyrillas, a 1979 graduate of Reading Senior High School, is currently the editor of The Mercury, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning daily newspaper in Pottstown. Phyrillas is being recognized for his 40-year career in journalism and his volunteer work at his church and the Berks County community. 

Phyrillas has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter for 38 years.

Reading High alumni and guests are invited to attend the luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn St., Reading. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. with lunch served promptly at 12:00 p.m. 

Cost is $35 per person. Reservations forms were included in the Spring issue of the Alumni Newsletter and can also be made online at https://readinghighschoolalumni.org/banquet/ 

Tables of 8 can be reserved if you want to sit with a group. 

The reservation deadline, including your food selection, is May 8, 2023.

AHEPA Chapter 61 Awards Scholarships to 2023 Oratorical Festival Participants

Matthew Patestas was the first-place winner in the Senior Division

Maria Wagner was the first-place winner in the Junior Division.

The Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter 61 awarded the inaugural Patrick Phyrillas Memorial Scholarship to two participants in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa. 

The winning participants were Matthew Patestas in the Senior Division and Maria Wagner in the Junior Division. Each student was awarded $500.00.

The Scholarship was created in honor of Patrick Phyrillas, who passed away on Jan. 29, 2023, at the age of 22, following a tragic automobile accident. Patrick was the son of Tony and Soula Phyrillas. Tony has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter for 38 years and has served in all the officer positions in the chapter.

Patrick Phyrillas participated in the Oratorical Festival at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church every year from 4th grade through 12th grade. May His Memory Be Eternal.