William Z. Lemnios of Lexington Massachusetts, formerly of Newburyport, Massachusetts, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on June 18, 2024. He was 98.

William was born on September 13, 1925, in Athens Greece to the late Zaharias and Evangelia Lemnios.  William and his parents immigrated to the United States on April 22, 1929, and later became naturalized US citizens, contributing their talent to their community and to our Nation.

William is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Angelina, his four beloved children, Zachary and his wife Stephanie, Starla and her husband Joseph, Philip and his wife Sunny, Lucian and his wife Charlene, his cherished grandchildren, Melanie, Grace and her husband Thomas, Sarah and her fiancé Nicholas, Jonathan and his wife Erin, Joseph and his wife Jordan, William, Ashley, and his adored great grandchildren Charlie and Jacqueline.

William is also survived by his brother, Andrew, and many nieces and nephews.

William graduated from Newburyport High School in 1943, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1949, followed by a Master of Science degree in Theoretical Physics from the University of Illinois in 1951.

William was among the last few of those that have been called the Greatest Generation serving in World War II.  And he was rightly proud of it!  He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army's 20th Armored Division 412th Armored Field Artillery Battalion for 28 months, several of which were in in combat from France to Germany to Austria, "The campaign of Central Europe." William participated in the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945, where his Division earned the name "The Liberators".  William bravely fought for freedom and democracy.  His sacrifice and courage, and those of his fellow soldiers, will never be forgotten.

William had a distinguished career at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he led the development of advanced concepts for the U.S. Department of Defense that underpin many of the national security systems that protect our Nation today.  Over the course of 41 years, he rose to the position of Division Head, served on the Laboratory's Steering Committee, mentored many young engineers, and left an indelible mark on our national security.

William and Angelina moved to Lexington in 1957 and dedicated their lives to raising and providing a safe and nurturing environment for their four children and were active members of the community.

William and Angelina loved to travel and did so in style.  From their trips all over Europe to Russia and beyond, they built a lifetime of memories.  However, a special place for them was Maui, where they would escape the New England winters for the warmth of the Hawaiian Islands.  It was a delight to see them share this together.

William and Angelina were instrumental in founding the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Lexington, and its predecessor, the Middlesex Hellenic Greek Orthodox Association. William served as Director and Vice President of the Association and four terms as President of the St Nicholas Parish Council. William and Angelina were instrumental in growing the community and supporting the Parish through times of joy and adversity. From the initial purchase on July 10, 1964, and dedication on March 27, 1966, to today, William and Angelina have been faithful Stewards and dedicated supporters of the Parish. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Lexington has come to serve thousands and will endure for generations.

William was so proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They were top of his mind, and with him always as the next generation and future of our country.  He was proud of "our big, beautiful family full of intelligent, accomplished young men and women each with their own dreams and goals".

William was a remarkable man who led this incredibly full life, with profound impact on our family, on his community, and on our Nation.  His inspiration and impact will always be with us.

We take comfort in knowing that the legacy of William Z Lemnios will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing and continue to inspire us to live lives of purpose, integrity, and service to others.
A wake will be held at 9:00am on Wednesday June 26, 2024, at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 17 Meriam St, Lexington, MA.   A funeral service will immediately follow at 11am.  A burial service will follow at 2pm at the Highland Cemetery, 21 Hill Street Newburyport, MA. Relatives and friends are kindly invited.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in William's name to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Lexington, MA . https://www.stnicholaslex.org/