Vito W. “Bill” Yankus, 81, of Shrewsbury died Thursday, March 31, 2001 in Knollwood Nursing Center in West Boylston.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Leonora (Sebastyn) Yankus; two sons, Gary W. Yankus and his wife, Shirley of Charlton and William L. Yankus of Farmington, CT; a daughter, Deborah J. Roy and her husband, Guy of Rochdale, fours sisters, Veronica McKenzie and her husband, Mack of Holden, Julia Howard and her husband, Richard of Worcester, Mary O’Leary of Worcester; also survived by five grandchildren, Kendra Daub, Guy Roy, Benjamin Yankus, William and Joseph Yankus; four great grandchildren, Kelsie, Karlee, Katie and Brandon and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Maureen Yankus; a sister and brother-in-law, Mabel and Andrew Ustinovich; and brother-in-law, Rocky O’Leary.

Bill was born and raised in Worcester, son of the late Anthony and Veronica (Stanilonias) Jankus. He graduated from Classical High School and New England School of Accounting.

He had worked as an Accountant and Real Estate Broker for many years in the Worcester County Area. Bill enjoyed colleting things, including baseball cards, stamps, coins and all sorts of sports memorabilia. He loved watching the Red Sox and the Patriots and lived to see the elusive World Series victories the Sox fans thought may never come in their lifetime and that almost perfect season for the Patriots. His greatest passion was spending time with his family and supporting their many activities.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bill’s family on Sunday, April 3, 2011 from 2-5 P.M. in the Britton Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Monday, April 4, 2011 with a funeral Mass celebrated at 10 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution in his memory can be made to UMass Hospice, 650 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605.