William Demichelis

William "Bill" Demichelis passed away December 1st in Morgan Hill after a long illness. Bill was born and raised in Gilroy. He was a graduate of Gilroy High where he was a member of the Gilroy FFA. After serving in the US Army, Bill worked for several years for the Gilroy Unified School District as a Bus Driver and Mechanic. Bill retired in 1991 from the City of Gilroy where he was the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor. He was a member of the Gilroy Elks Lodge, St. Catherine Church in Morgan Hill and many Accordion Clubs throughout California.

Bill started taking Accordion lessons as a young boy. This began a lifelong love of playing his Accordion at many events and festivals throughout California. Bill was a very accomplished musician who, in addition to playing the Accordion, taught himself to play the Piano and Organ. In 1991, he organized "William and Friends". He and his group of fellow musicians entertained residents and patients at many Adult Day Care and Skilled Nursing Homes throughout Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties. Bill was a member of the Accordion Teacher's Guild and enjoyed instructing and helping others who wanted to learn the Accordion. His love for the Accordion and extraordinary talent enabled him to make many friends around the world.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Gugliermo and Mary Demichelis, wife Nancy and sisters Marie Skov and Virginia Pura. He is survived by sisters Katherine Intravia and Annabelle Conconi; nieces Kathie Rossi and family, Heidi Pura and family; nephews Jeremy Pura and family, Mike Intravia and family, Charles Skov and Robert Myers and our dear family friend Joanne Medina and family. He is also survived by stepdaughters Linda and Tammi Campbell as well as step granddaughters Courtney and McKenzie Campbell.

Per William's wishes, there will be no services. The family will hold a Celebration of William's Life at a later date. Remembrances in William's memory may be made to: The Accordion Teachers Guild, c/o Liz Finch, 442 Morella Avenue, Studio City , CA 91607.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch, Morgan Hill Times and Hollister Free Lance · December 7, 2021