William "Bill" Birurakis
Passed: June 25, 2025
Charleston, WV
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William "Bill" Birurakis
Passed: June 25, 2025
Charleston, WV
Obituary
William “Bill” Birurakis peacefully passed away on June 25, 2025 at the age of 94.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joann, son William II, siblings George, Alex and Angie, and daughters-in-law Beverly and Marnie.
Survivors include his sons Michael (Cindy), Gregory (Jaqueline) and Stephen, daughter-in-law Saundra, brother Louis, and his beloved grandchildren Leah, William III, Evia, Alex, Maria, and Jacob.
William was born in Morgantown, WV, on January 5, 1931, and graduated from University High School. He was a proud veteran of the US Army and a Mechanical Engineering graduate of West Virginia University.
While stationed in France during the Korean War, he met Joann, his wife of 71 years, in Crete, Greece, where they were married. After completing his service in the military, he returned to Morgantown to reunite with Joann and earn his Mechanical Engineering degree at West Virginia University. His engineering career took the family all over the United States, including stops in San Diego, Connecticut, and Buffalo, New York before they settled in Charleston, West Virginia, where he worked for Union Carbide. Despite his work on several high profile projects, he was most proud of his contributions to the Apollo space program.
After completing his engineering career, he supported his wife’s venture The Best of Crete restaurant, which has been a popular Charleston staple for over 40 years.
He and Joann were faithful members of St. John Greek Orthodox Church for over 55 years.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 3512 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 3512 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV, with Father Isaac Williams officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.
Visitation will begin one hour prior at the church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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St. John Greek Orthodox Church
- Address: 3512 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304 - (Get Directions)
8 responses to William "Bill" Birurakis
Bob and Richard Corey says:
June 27, 2025
Dear Mike and All Family and loved ones,
Our thoughts, prayers and Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your Dad and may his wonderful soul rest in peace.
Bob and Richard Corey and Families
Bob and Richard Corey says:
June 27, 2025
Dear Mike and All Family and loved ones,
Our thoughts, prayers and Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your Dad and may his wonderful soul rest in peace.
Bob and Richard Corey and Families
Bob and Richard Corey and Families
Rick Raines says:
June 27, 2025
Mike and family, I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your father. While I did not know your father, except for the times he visited the restaurant, I see, according to his obituary, that he was an amazing man with many accomplishments. With the recent loss of your mother, who was also an amazing, accomplished woman, I can only imagine your grief of loss. May GOD welcome them both into the wonderful paradise he has prepared for all of us who believe. My prayers are with you and your family as you endure this time of great grief and loss. May GOD comfort your hearts and minds, and may you find strength, comfort, and support in each other.
Lisa McCracken says:
June 27, 2025
To Mike & Family, What amazing careers and life adventures your parents had! How wonderful for them to find each other so many years ago and ultimately make their way to Charleston. Though I knew your mom better, I would speak to your dad most early mornings as he prepared Best of Crete daily in the food court. Your mom would sometimes tell me stories about your dad. Though I’m sure there’s grief in having them both pass this year, perhaps they found it comforting. May peace be with them and also with you and your family.
Dennis & Vickie Pacilio says:
June 27, 2025
Michael, Greg, & Stephen,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Father! I know he is now back with your Mother and continuing to watch over you all. May his soul rest in peace and his memory be eternal 🙏🙏