In the early morning on November 15, 2023, just shy of his 92 birthday our father Paraskevas (Peter) Saradinopoulos, affectionately know as “Taki” passed away peacefully in hospital. Surrounded by his loving family everyday, he fought a good fight everyday until the end. He will live in our hearts forever and will be so sorrowing missed by his wife Maria and son Louie together with his family Jackie, Natalie Olivia and Kyle. And his son Gus together with his family Popi, Peter and Michael.

Born on November 30th, 1931 in Kalamata Greece to his parents Elia and Angeliki, he was the older brother to his beloved sisters Niki and Sia. He grew up during wartime and was enlisted in the army as a military police officer. In addition to helping his father, he became a professional photographer and was often seen riding his Vespa with camera in hand in the streets of Kalamata and Athens, taking pictures of famous actors and dignitaries.

He met his beloved Maria in the early 1960’s and on January 18, 1962 they married. Shortly after their marriage they immigrated to Canada, first arriving in Montreal and then making their way to Toronto. He quickly found work as a construction laborer, working on the Toronto Dominion Towers. Then in 1964 they opened Olympic Dry Cleaners on Pape and bought their first home near the Danforth in Greektown. In these early days they met so many other immigrant families from Greece who became quick friends and formed life long relationships to this day. They welcomed their first son Louie in 1964 and their second son Gus in 1970. They worked long and hard running the dry cleaners until they finally sold it in 1980. He started his second career as a Plumber working along side his brother in law Dimitri Vagalatis. He continued his plumbing career until he finally gave up his tools when he was in his eighties.

In 1965, he along with his brother in laws Dimitri, Peter and a few of the early members helped form the Orpheus Choir and were involved with the church and the Greek community. Being a part of this choir fulfilled our father’s passion for music and singing. It was more than a choir, this group of men all became life long friends who along with their families shared endless gatherings and celebrations together. Singing the Olympic Anthem at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and attending and singing at the 1967 Montreal Expo, were among their proudest moments together. In addition to music, our father was an avid sports fan and loved watching soccer matches, especially his favourite soccer team Olympiakos.

Our father has often been described as a true gentleman and we couldn’t agree more. Always dressed to impress (even at home he would wear a dress shirt with this pajama bottoms) . He and our mother were always the couple with style who would attend numerous events and parties over the years with their many, many good friends and family. He was thoughtful, kind and generous and was always helping others in any way he could and always with a smile on his face.

His greatest joy was when he became a Pappou to Natalie, Olivia , Peter and Michael. He was always so willing to help with babysitting or drop offs and pick ups for his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan when all four grandchildren were playing soccer over the years but mostly he showed them so much love and affection. Natalie is engaged to marry Kyle next year and we are so saddened that he will not witness his first grandchild’s wedding celebration. Although he will not be with us physically he will be with us spiritually beaming down with pride for his whole family. His love for his family was relentless which he showed us everyday and we in turn showed our immense love for him.

We will miss you so much Baba and you will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. Don’t worry we will take good care of Mom for you .

Keep singing and smiling…. Knowing that your Legacy will live on eternally ❤️🙏