William Boondas, retired businessman, native of Greece

William Boondas of Ridgefield and of Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., a retired businessman, died at his Ridgefield residence on Wednesday morning, April 14. He was 85 years old, the husband of Christine (Chipouras) Boondas and the father of Jamie Boondas Telegadis of Ridgefield.

Mr. Boondas was born in Pylos, Greece, July 18, 1918, son of the late Stelios and Dionysia (Karabatsos) Boondas. He immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1926, first settling in the Bronx, N.Y. Raised by his father and stepmother, Olga (Kaldis) Boondas, as a result of his mother’s passing when he was a child, he graduated from New York schools, attended New York University.

He was a World War II U.S. Army Air Force veteran having served in the South Pacific.

Mr. Boondas was a businessman and for 30 years owned and operated the William Boondas Ribbon & Floral Supply Co. of Bayside, Queens, N.Y., serving the New York and metropolitan area. He was a past officer of the New York Florist Association. An active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Flushing, N.Y., he was also a member of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association.

“He will always be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, was a passionate believer in education, the importance of good communications and human relations between people,” his family said. “He was a strong believer in Greek culture and customs. He loved cars and the joy of traveling with his family.”

Besides his wife of 57 years and daughter Jamie Telegadis and her husband Sam of Ridgefield, he is survived by two other daughters, Denise Boondas of Carriere, Miss., and Stephanie Boondas Flagg and her husband Paul of East Hampton, N.Y., and his grandchildren whom he was very proud of, William, Samantha, Kinara and Melia.

Father Peter Karloutsos led the Rite of Burial on Monday, April 19, in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Danbury. Burial followed in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury. Memorial contributions to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, 30 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06811 would be appreciated. The Kane Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

04/21/2004