It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stefano “Steve” Economopoulos on May 21, 2024. Steve passed peacefully in his home in his 100th year. As much as we miss him, we could not have asked for a more tranquil way for him to pass away. Steve was adored and doted on by his family until he drew his last breath.
Steve will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 74 years, Angeliki Economopoulos. The two shared four children, Gus (Athena), Tom (Argy), Vivian (Bill) and Angelo, who will miss him deeply.
Cherished grandfather of Stephano Economopoulos (the late Amanda Coady), Angela and Vasiliki Economopoulos, Chris (Effie), Stephen and Matthew Tsioros, and Yianni Economopoulos, and beloved great grandfather of Princeton, Preston and Perseus Economopoulos.
Dear brother of the late Demetri Economopoulos (Angeliki) and Chris Economopoulos (Christine) of Woodstock. Forever in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends in Canada, Greece, Australia, and the Netherlands.
Steve was born in Agridi, Greece, on August 31, 1924, to Konstantino and Paraskevi Economopoulos. A veteran of the Second World War in Greece, he later served as a dedicated police officer until 1951, when he immigrated to Canada. His early years in Halifax were marked by resilience and hard work, a testament to his unwavering determination. Steve often reminisced about those challenging days, fondly recalling that his first English words were, “You got a job for me?”.
Steve’s tireless work ethic led him through various endeavors across Canada, from mining in Kirkland Lake, to farming in Quebec, and later to positions with the Canadian Pacific Railway and in forestry in British Columbia. Ultimately settling in London, Ontario, Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit saw him rise to proud restaurant owner. His establishments became beloved landmarks in the community, and included: The Riverview, The Two by Four, The Imperial Restaurant, The Queen’s Restaurant (in Woodstock), The Paragon Restaurant, The Seven Dwarf’s Restaurant, The Hide-a-Way Restaurant, and finally, Richie’s Restaurant which he owned with his sons for 30 years and only recently sold.
Steve was a generous man whose kindness extended beyond his immediate family as he went to great lengths to sponsor countless relatives and friends, allowing them to immigrate to Canada, and offering them employment opportunities and support as they acclimated to their new home. Despite his success and deep gratitude for Canada, Steve never forgot his humble roots in Agridi, where he and Angeliki enjoyed cherished summers in their retirement.
Visitation will be held at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James Street, London, Ontario, on Monday, May 27, from 7-9 p.m. (prayers to be read at 8:00 p.m.). A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 131 Southdale Rd. W., London, Ontario. Steve will be laid to rest in his birthplace, Agridi, Greece, accompanied by his loving family.
We mourn the loss of a remarkable man whose legacy of hard work, resilience, and devotion to family will continue to inspire us all. May his memory be forever eternal!