George Georgopoulos

George Georgopoulos passed away peacefully at Michael Garron hospital with family by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer, dementia and heart disease having just celebrated his 85th birthday.

George is survived by his wife Valentina (Tina) of almost 57 years. Adored and Loved by his children and their spouses; Soula, Irene & Peter, Mary & Ron and his joy on earth his grandchildren Natalie & Cohen.

Deeply missed by his siblings at this time ; his sister Maria Dimos, his brother Costantinos Georgopoulos and his sister in law Georgina, brother Peter Georgopoulos and his sister in law Maria.

Missed at this time also by his cousins, many nieces and nephews and long time friends.

George's life started in a village named Kollines, Arkadia, Tripoli in the Peloponnesian region of Greece.

George attended a technical school after public school receiving a diploma as a brick/stone layer.

Looking for a better life, like many immigrants, he left Greece at the age of 20 years old on December 3 1958 to join his sister Maria in Toronto.

He left by ship joined by hundreds of others all seeking a better life in Canada. This journey was 12 days in length full of song, dance and drink, arriving in Halifax on December 15, 1958. My dad always spoke of when they disembarked at the Halifax port to get out and get some food and finding sliced bread , a stark difference from the thick crusty european bread they were accustomed too and squishing the bread like an accordian and saying, " where have we taken ourselves if this is the bread available". LOL by train he made his way to Montreal and finally Toronto.

George started work as a dishwasher in various restaurants and quickly worked his way to becoming a chef in many restaurants in the city of Toronto.

George married Tina in July of 1966 and soon they started their family and were blessed with three daughters.

An opportunity arose to join his brother in law/friend, George Dimos in the Mr. Submarine franchise and became a fixture quickly on Spadina and as kid we absolutely loved.

George retired at the age of 65 to engage in his favourite pastime, gardening, house maintenance, helping neighbours and family with tasks.

Another favourite was joining many other retired Greek men at the Tim Hortons on the Danforth for coffee and conversations/debates/arguments. LOL

He also enjoyed meeting up with family and friends at the Alpha Variety with Bill and Katina.

Proud grandfather of Natalie and Cohen and pivotal in their care and upbringing. Picking them up from school and feeding them, doing all sorts of activities at his house with them and Thea Soula.

George's greatest love was his family and was loved by all who were lucky enough to know him.

George's interests but not limited too, were his garden, dancing at family events, lotto tickets, casino when possible, card games, tim hortons and coffee in general along with his signature pack of smokes and also a good glass of whiskey when the occasion warranted it .

His smile and his moustache were his trademark and his kindness.

His passing will leave a void in our lives, but his love will be forever carried in our hearts.

Rest in Peace Dad, Kalo Paradiso.

Donations can be made to the following organizations in memory of George Georgopoulos, in lieu of flowers.

Make a Tribute Gift - Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Lung Cancer Canada - Lung Cancer Canada

A visitation for George will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Paul O’Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E, Scarborough, ON M1R 2Y8. A funeral service will occur Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 1385 Warden Avenue, Toronto, ON M1R 2S3. A burial will occur Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Pine Hills Cemetery, 625 Birchmount Road, Toronto, ON M1K 1R1.

The Funeral Service will be available via livestream https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/68744

The Burial will be available via livestream https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/68746