Vassilios Hatzigeorgio

Vassilios Hatzigeorgio, also known as Bill Hedges, 82, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Bill was born June 1, 1943, in the village of Menetes, on the island of Karpathos, Greece, to parents George “Hatzis” and Irene “Ero” Hatzigeorgiou. As a young boy, he migrated with his family to Montreal, Canada, in 1955, but his Greek heritage always remained close to his heart, especially his love for Karpathian music. Bill started in the restaurant business at an early age and developed a strong work ethic. He came to the United States in the mid-1960s, working in several fine dining establishments on the East Coast, which was the beginning of a long career as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry.

Bill met his soul mate and best friend, Stella Hatzigeorgio (neé Angelos), and they married on September 24, 1977, in East St. Louis, Illinois. After getting married, Bill and Stella moved to Virginia, where they started their life together and raised their two children, Irene and George. They opened several restaurants together, including the highlight of their career, Carmello’s Restaurant, which originated in Manassas, Virginia, in 1987, and was crowned by The Washington Post as a “Jewel Worth the Journey.” After moving to Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1992, Bill and Stella re-established Carmello’s Restaurant in a new location, where it is still going strong to this day. He taught many the techniques of fine dining in the “School of Hedges,” and his motto for the restaurant was “love, service, and dedication.” Even after retiring, Bill could often be found at the restaurant, enjoying one of his favorite meals and a glass of wine with family and friends. He was a self-made man, who enjoyed the finer things in life as well as sharing those experiences with others. His legacy will surely live on through Carmello’s Restaurant and all those who loved and learned from him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene Hatzigeorgiou, and younger brothers, Elias and Antonios. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Stella, his son, George, his daughter, Irene Paschall, and son-in-law, Michael Paschall, as well as his adored grandson, Parker. He is also survived by many relatives and friends in both the United States and abroad, including his nieces and nephews, Irene E. and George E. Hatzigeorgiou, Maria Morrill, and Alex Daesch, his sister-in-law, Lucy Daesch, and brother-in-law, Peter (Esther) Angelos, as well as his dear friend, Dr. Joseph Disabato.

The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the exceptional doctors and nurses on the third floor of the MICU at the University of Virginia Medical Center for the compassionate care Bill received in the final weeks of his life.

The viewing will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Batten Funeral Home from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The Trisagion prayers will be said at 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, followed by interment at Holly Memorial Gardens and a traditional Makaria (Mercy Meal) at Carmello’s Restaurant.

Memorial donations to the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church or the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated, and condolences may be sent to the family at www.battenfuneral.com.