Obituary of Spiro Sotirakos

Spiro Sotirakos passed away peacefully at the Welland Hospital, with his wife by his side, on January 8th, 2018, at the age of 92. Devoted husband of Helen and loving father of Tess Sotirakos, Kathy Sotirakos (Nick Roussos) and Tina Sotirakos. Cherished brother-in-law of Angie and George Bourolias, grandfather of Michael Roussos, and uncle of Stephanie Marangoudakis (nee Sakales) and Terry Sotirakos. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews in Ontario, Quebec, Virginia, New York, and Greece. Predeceased by his parents Theodore and Anastasia (nee Minakakis) Sotirakos, and his siblings Taso (Dina) Sotirakos, Christos Sotirakos, Pota Karangelen, Joanna Chiros, Maria Sakales, Paraskevi Sotirakos, and Kiki Niketeas. Spiro was born in Amyklai, Lakonia, Greece. After serving three years in the Greek Army, Spiro emigrated to Canada in 1951. He first lived in Ottawa where he began working in a restaurant for Paul Anka's Uncle (his claim to fame). He met and married his wife Helen in 1960. In 1965 they came to Welland and opened Spiro's Restaurant on West Main Street. They moved the restaurant in 1976 to East Main until they retired in 1990. They made many friends throughout the years in the Welland community. Spiro liked to tell stories of the good ole' days when the police used to 'walk the beat'. The restaurant also doubled as a hotel during the Blizzard of 77'. He was a big fan of gin rummy, poker, backgammon, watching hockey, soccer, football and WWE! Spiro enjoyed many years of vegetable gardening, hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and friends, and travelling with his wife in their retirement. The family will receive their relatives and friends at the WELLAND FUNERAL HOME 827 East Main Street, Welland on Sunday, January 14th, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 15th, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church 585 Niagara Street (and Linwell Road), St. Catharines. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Welland. As an expression of sympathy, donations to St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church would be appreciated by the family. Charitable donations may be made to: St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church 585 Niagara Street, St. Catharines ON L2M 3P6 Tel: 1-905-658-3028 Web: http://greekcommunityofniagara.com Service Information