Members of the Ingersoll Coin Club and the St. Thomas Numismatic Association are mourning the passing of longtime collector and dealer Bill Dimitropoulos, who died on Feb. 8 at the age of 85.
Well known across southwestern Ontario’s numismatic community, Dimitropoulos was a familiar face at local coin shows as both a dealer and an active participant. He regularly set up at regional events and was a dedicated supporter of the Ontario Numismatic Association (ONA).
According to Robb McPherson, a longtime executive member of the ONA, Bill played an important behind-the-scenes role for many years.
“Bill was always at the local shows and helped set up many Ontario Numismatic Association conventions over the last 20 years,” McPherson said. “He was dependable, knowledgeable and always willing to help.”
Bill was also a valued and well-loved member of both the Ingersoll Coin Club and the St. Thomas Numismatic Association, remembered for his depth of numismatic knowledge, his generosity in sharing it and his warm, welcoming manner.
“Bill will be deeply missed by all of us, not only for his vast knowledge and expertise that he so generously shared at our meetings, but also for his warm smile and kind nature,” wrote St. Thomas Numismatic Association newsletter editor Nancy McKillop. “His presence was truly invaluable, and we have lost a remarkable member of our numismatic community.”
Born in Riza, Sparti, Greece, Vasilios (Bill) Dimitropoulos later settled in London, Ont., where he was well known in the downtown community as the owner of Nielsen’s Charcoal Broil restaurant from 1973 to 1988 before operating other restaurants and retiring in 2008.
He is survived by his sons Gus and Jim Dimitropoulos and his daughter Georgina Dimitropoulos. He was predeceased by his wife, Panagiota (Pat), in 2019.
Visitation will be held at Logan Funeral Home, 371 Dundas St., London, on Thursday from 6–9 p.m., with prayers at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will take place Friday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 131 Southdale Rd. W., London, with interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery.