Thomas Georgiou

In Loving Memory of Thomas Georgiou
February 15, 1923 – June 30, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Georgiou, who left us peacefully at the incredible age of 102. He was a man of extraordinary resilience, quiet strength, and enduring love.

Born in the mountain village of Zemeno, Greece, Thomas was one of eight children and the last surviving of his siblings. A survivor of war and hardship, he carried stories that bore witness to both the pain and beauty of a life fully lived.

On June 20, 1954, Thomas married the love of his life, Fotini. A few short months later, the two left Greece to begin a new chapter in Canada, enduring a two-week journey by boat across the Atlantic. They arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax before continuing on to Toronto, where they would lay down roots and build a life from the ground up. With determination and an unmatched work ethic, Thomas began working in construction — a field where his strength and perseverance quickly set him apart. Within a year, they had saved enough to purchase their first home on Barton Avenue and begin building a life for their growing family. Sharing 61 beautiful years of marriage, Thomas and Fotini built a home and a legacy that would ripple through generations.

Thomas was a proud father to Sophie (Tim), and his late son, Sam. A devoted Pappou to Jason (Ina), Ryan (Sarah), Danielle (Caleb), and Christina (Alex); and a loving Pro-Pappou to Charlotte, Charlie, Jason Jr., and Amelia. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Fotini, and is survived by his cherished sisters-in-law, Koula and Maria, along with a large extended family and friends whose lives he touched with his humour, generosity, and charm.

Thomas was a man who never sat still, driven by a determination to see every job through to the very end. Even well into his 80s, he could be found climbing rooftops and working on construction projects with the same steady resolve. When urged to slow down — and get off the roof — he famously replied, “Some people die sitting in their chairs!”

To family, friends, and neighbours, Thomas was known for growing the best tomatoes, caring for his beloved canaries (one of which he once smuggled home from Greece in his shirt pocket), and spending summers with Fotini tending to their gardens both at home and at the cottage.

Thomas found joy in the little things: a good coffee with koulourakia, feta and olives, cheering on the Jays and Leafs, occasionally trapping raccoons in the backyard, and watching Family Feud. More than anything, he cherished being surrounded by his family — eating, laughing, and, more often than not, finishing the night with a Dairy Queen cake.

He will be remembered for his strength, sharp wit, quiet pride, and unwavering love – a remarkable life shaped by perseverance, and a legacy that lives on through those who loved him.

May his memory be eternal.
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