Cover photo for Peter (AKA Panagiotis) Vardalos's Obituary
Peter (AKA Panagiotis) Vardalos Profile Photo

Peter (AKA Panagiotis) Vardalos

January 25, 1947 — October 15, 2024

Mississauga

Peter (Παναγιώτης) Vardalos, beloved husband, tenderhearted father, and adored Παππού, fell asleep with the Lord on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and family. 

Peter was born on January 25, 1947, to Nikolaos and Antonia Vardalos in Δρυμός, Αχαΐας, Greece. He was raised as a dedicated Orthodox Christian and faithful servant of God, along with his many siblings. At the tender age of 14, and with only $13 in his pocket, Peter bravely emigrated by himself to Winnipeg, Canada. God must have been smiling at his courage by ensuring that Peter met Sophie, the love of his life, some years later, and whom he cherished until his last breath. God blessed them with 58 years of marriage, 4 children and 11 grandchildren. 

Peter was fascinated by cars, especially antiques, and was particularly blessed that his Sophie shared in his fascination. The two founded Varda Enterprises Auto Sales & Service, in Winnipeg, which they owned and operated together for over 30 years. While cars captivated them, their true joy came from their children and grandchildren. 

After some of life’s tragic twists and turns, Peter and Sophie moved to Mississauga. They lived close to their children, and ultimately, helped in the raising of their grandchildren. 

Peter impressed upon his children and grandchildren the importance of family, education, and sportsmanship. He lived and breathed Blue Bombers and Jets…then the Maple Leafs. Whenever possible, he attended or live-streamed every time his children or grandchildren took to the ice, gym, or field. 

Peter was Greek to the core. He encouraged his family to travel to Greece and stay with him and Sophie at their vacation home in Akrata, Greece. Peter’s jovial demeanor, contagious laugh, and welcoming arms assured he made friends wherever he went. He would make every person he met into an honourary Greek, invite them to visit him in Toronto and Akrata, and offer to find them their very own everlasting love. 

Peter is survived by his beloved wife, Sophie; by his children, Angela (Jim), Anita (Bill), Nick P. (Elina) and Michael (Sophia); by his grandchildren, Evangeline, Brielle, Fanoula, Lazaros, Sofia, Peter, Petros, Stefanos, Alexandros, Panos and Deena; and by his puppy, Lucy.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024 from:
4:30 - 8:30 p.m., 
at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church
1785 Matheson Blvd., Mississauga, ON. 

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at:
10:00 a.m., 
Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church
1785 Matheson Blvd., Mississauga, ON. 

Burial to follow:
Meadowvale Cemetery
7732 Mavis Rd., Brampton, ON.
Sec: 23

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed “in memory of Peter Vardalos” to:
Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church: https://prophetelias.ca/store/general-donation

May His Memory be Eternal. Αιώνια η μνήμη.

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