Panagiotis "Peter" Panarites

Panagiotis “Peter” Panarites passed away peacefully at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket on Saturday morning, January 6 2024 in his 97th year. Peter is survived by his son Petro, his daughter-in-law Poli and his pride and joy - grandson and namesake Panos. He is predeceased by his wife Maria (Panoulias) and seven siblings.

Peter was born in Elaia, Lakonia, Greece on November 10, 1927, the youngest of eight, to parents Petros and Maritsa. As a young man he endured the hardships of World War II including the German occupation and the subsequent Greek Civil War. As a young man in 1958 he emigrated to Canada, and built a life in North Bay, Ontario with his young bride Maria (Panoulias). He built a successful painting contracting business Atlas Painting, then a homebuilding business Country Lane homes, and finally a busy diner Cedar Coffee Shop.

Peter lived his life according to simple, old-school principles: honesty, integrity, respect, hard work and family. He was our rock, always providing solutions, always offering sound advice and encouragement, always with a smile, always emphasizing the importance of education. He was an avid sports fan, hockey Dad and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Often, the fish would be fried and eaten right in the canoe before heading for shore. He and Maria travelled to Greece frequently and enjoyed travelling throughout Europe in his retirement. In his later years he and Maria moved to Aurora to be closer with family.

We love you Dad. Your wisdom will always guide us and your memory will be eternal.

A visitation for Panagiotis will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON L4G6W8. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 136 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto, ON M6R 2E4. A committal service will occur Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8. A reception will be held after the committal service at the Grand Luxe Event Boutique, 3125 Bayview Avenue, North York, ON M2K 1G2 at 4:00 PM.

Contributions in Panagiotis' memory may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com