Asteris (Arthur) Gonidis, at the age of 104, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on April 4, 2024.
Asteris was born in the village of Lavara, Greece to Vasily and Panagiota Gonidis. As a young man Asteris left his home and embarked on a journey that took him through Turkey, Egypt, Africa to Rhodesia where he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a Spitfire pilot during World War II. After the war he met his soon to be wife, Despina and they planned their immigration to Toronto, Canada where Asteris continued flying as a crop duster pilot before becoming an entrepreneur in vending machines and donut shops. He was a valued member of the Greek community and Thracian Society in Toronto.
Asteris is survived by his son William and daughter-in-law Holly, his grandchildren, Kiron and his wife Lindsay, Morgan and her husband Jake St. Lauent and Moriah as well as his great grandchildren, Auryn, Theo and Luna who he adored. Asteris is also survived by his brother Panos Gonidis. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Despina and daughter Katerina and his brothers Thanasis, Demitris, Ilias, Michaelis and sisters Eleni and Tula.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Funeral Service on Friday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial to follow at York Cemetery. Reception following burial at York Funeral Centre.
Donations can be made to Alzheimers Society of Canada. Please click on the "Donations" tab on the top right of the memorial webpage to make an online donation.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 5Z5
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Thursday, 11 Apr 2024 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Visitation
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 5Z5
Get Directions
Friday, 12 Apr 2024 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Funeral
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 5Z5
Get Directions
Friday, 12 Apr 2024 10:30 AM
Burial
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 5Z5
Get Directions
Friday, 12 Apr 2024 11:30 AM
Reception
York Cemetery & Funeral Centre
160 Beecroft, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M2N 5Z5
Get Directions