William Avellis of Danvers passed away on July 14 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln after suffering complications from several health issues. He was a resident of Salem from 1945 to 1990.

Bill, also known as Bubby to his family and closest friends, was a long-time owner of The Bootery , a women's designer shoe store, in Salem.  He was well known in town by customers and other merchants downtown.  Many people would just drop in and sit with Bill and chat for hours in his seating area. He loved his friends and acquaintances downtown and was a regular at Red's Sandwich Shop for breakfast every morning before opening his store.

Bill was also co-owner of Deano's Pizza and the Dodgems at the Salem Willows from 1971 to 1990 along with his brother Dean J. Avellis. He was an accomplished ballroom dancer, assisting his stepmother Georgia Deane; loved going to the dog track and socializing with his friends; was a dog lover and an amateur artist.

All his family, friends, and acquaintances shared the impression that Bill was a good and kind man, who tried to see the positive in people and circumstances no matter how difficult things could be. He had a ready smile for everyone and will be missed greatly.

Bill leaves a son Dean Albert, stepson, David Avellis; sister Cynthia Avellis Marnik of Salem; brother Dean John Avellis of Hamilton; step-mother Georgia Deane Avellis of Salem and Mendon; nieces Rachel Marnik of Beverly, Candy Oddi and Cindy Oddi of Boston; nephews; Matthew Marnik of Salem, Daniel Marnik and his wife Jennifer of Holbrook; cousins Brenda Donovan of Washington, Seanna Chmura of Danvers, and Jeanne Nesto of Dartmouth.

Bill was predeceased by his sister Dolores Avellis Oddi, father Albert Avellis, and mother Yolanda Castaldo Avellis.

Visiting hours are  on Saturday, July 20 at Murphy Funeral Home in Salem from 4 to 6 PM with memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Avellis Family Trust to 10 Grant Road, Salem, MA 01970. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com or call (978) 744-0497.