On July 8, in his 96th year, Michael left this world to join his adored wife Alexandra. Beloved father of Terry (Pam) and Helen, and cherished by an extended family of relatives and friends, Michael’s presence, his hearty laugh, perceptive mind, and his often hilariously unique use of the English language will be missed by all who knew him.

Born on Aetos Greece, Michael landed at Halifax’s Pier 21 in May of 1962 with his wife Alexandra, young Terry, a suitcase and a trunk. They took a train to Toronto to begin their life in Canada. Life was challenging, and Michael worked hard to learn English, and find a situation that would support his family in his newly adopted country. He found that at the Toronto Brick Company, where he worked for the next 25 years, rising to the level of chief production chemist before his retirement in 1988. In 1965 he bought a home on Dilworth Crescent in East York and lived there for there next 60 years. With Helen’s birth in 1967, Michael’s family was complete. He worked diligently to provide a home and security, within which his family could thrive.

After many happy years together, engaging in the stuff of life: family trips, community engagement, home renovations, meals and outings with friends, sitting on the front porch in the sunshine on a warm summer afternoon, it was in December of 2019 that Michael’s beloved wife Alexandra suffered a stroke. When Alexandra returned home from convalescence, Michael cared for her until her passing, with a sensitivity and attentiveness that only a lifetime of love could foster.

Michael loved his family, food and his church. This order would change depending on his mood. A militant do-it-yourself-er, he had the knack of being able to fix or enhance just about anything around the house, although a close call with a live TV tube convinced him that electrical was maybe not his thing. He would enjoy BBQing in the back yard on weekends and holidays, and would drive for miles around the city to find the just the right cut of meat, block of cheese, or the freshest fish and vegetables. Michael loved to sing and was a well respected cantor in the Greek Orthodox community throughout Toronto and southern Ontario. In the late 1960’s, he was lead cantor at Easter services attended by the Archbishop at Maple Leaf Gardens, and over subsequent years participated in services at the Greek Orthodox Churches of St. George, St. Dimitrios, St. Irene, St. Nicholas and lastly St. John.

As his mobility declined, it was with the help of family, notably Helen’s stalwart and unrelenting commitment to his care and the food that he so enjoyed, as well as the indispensable efforts of the Toronto Spectrum Homecare Service, Michael was able to live in his home until days of his passing. Terry and Helen would like to extend special thanks and much gratitude to Josie Naipaul his longtime Personal Support Worker, and to his friend and neighbour Patrick McCartney for his assistance around the property, and with whom he shared many visits, laughs, and of course, food.

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