SAGINAW, MI — William “Bill” Vlassis, who owned and operated Bill’s Party Store in Saginaw for more than 60 years, has died.
The Saginaw native and owner of the small business that sparked nostalgia for many locals died on Saturday, August 17, according to his obituary. He was 94 years old.
Vlassis owned Bill’s Party Store for six decades before selling it in 2022, though he continued to work there until March 2023. The 5,500-square-foot, no-frills party store at 2422 Mackinaw St., a half-mile from Arthur Hill High School, was considered by some to be a Saginaw landmark. The store was open seven days a week and sold snacks, candy, slushies, groceries and other items. Vlassis and his store manager, Jim Foerster, stood behind the counter nearly every day for decades, serving their customers and neighbors.
Elaine Kingry grew up across the street from the Vlassis family and was the real estate agent when the business came up for sale.
She said Vlassis was “like a Saginaw icon” and was known for helping customers out when they lacked money for basic necessities like milk or eggs.
“He always billed and never complained,” Kingry said. “A very generous heart. … He just welcomed everyone.”
Representatives of Fralia’s, 422 Hancock St. in Old Town Saginaw, posted a photo of a smiling Vlassis serving a doughnut from a large white bakery box in his shop on the restaurant’s Facebook page, along with this tribute: “RIP Bill. From all of us and our children. Thank you for all the smiles, slushies and pretzels.” Representatives of another iconic Saginaw business, Fuzzy’s Restaurant, 1924 Court St., shared the post.
Related: Saginaw’s nostalgic Bill’s Party Store has been sold, but for now, business is running as usual
Vlassis was born on November 22, 1929, in Saginaw to William A. and Byrdella (Forbes) Vlassis. He married Clara Irene Shuler on May 10, 1952. According to his obituary, she died in 2018.
Bill Vlassis was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he served on the building and grounds committee, was a mason, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family.
Bill Vlassis leaves behind three children: Peggy Vlassis, Angela Pinter and her husband Duane, and William Vlassis Jr., five grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, August 23, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 123 N. Michigan Ave. Interment will be conducted by the Reverend Pamela Renna at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the church at W.L. Case and Co., 4480 Mackinaw Road, from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, and from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service on Friday.
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