Sotirios "Sam" Panopalis

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sotirios “Sam” Panopalis, age 87. A loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and respected businessman. Sam passed away peacefully on August 14th, 2025 on his own terms, in the arms of his loving wife Areti, with his children by his side.

Born in Lira, Greece, to Dimitri and Maria (nee Batzakis) Panopalis, Sam immigrated to Canada in August of 1956 in the classic immigrant fashion of the time; very little money in his pocket, no English, but with a boat load of grit, determination and hope for a better life. He first settled in Montreal, where he worked tirelessly and eventually sponsored his siblings to join him, as well as his future wife, Areti. In 1967 he opened his first business, The Europa Food Market in Park Extension, Montreal. Shortly after this he opened his next venture, The Le Mongol Restaurant in Montreal’s east side.

In 1977, Sam moved his family to Halifax, where he partnered with his brothers and operated the Brass Rail Restaurant in the Halifax Shopping Center and later the Napoli Pizzeria on Quinpool Rd. In 1982 Sam and Areti opened what would become the pride of his business career, The Athens Restaurant, first on Barrington St, then on Quinpool Rd where it continued to be a staple in the Halifax food scene. He and Areti operated The Athens, with their children, for nearly 40 years. Over the years, they built a loyal customer base who quickly became like family. Sam was known for his generosity, authentic Greek cooking and strong work ethic. The friendships he developed over the years while enjoying a coffee sitting at his favourite table, B2, have been lasting and profound.

Sam was an active member of the Halifax Greek Community, serving as President and giving generously of his time, including donating food each year to the Greek Fest. He was deeply proud of his Greek culture. Through sharing stories of his childhood, celebrating traditions, and modeling a strong work ethic, he passed on to his children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for their heritage.

Above all, Sam was happiest when surrounded by his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, visiting his grandsons in Cyprus to celebrate their milestones or enjoying near-daily visits with his beloved granddaughters. Earlier this year, he was overjoyed to welcome his first great-grandchild. Beyond spending endless hours at his place of business, usually in the kitchens, Sam did find time to enjoy his hobbies. Gardening, fishing and soccer were amongst his passions. He would take great pleasure in boasting about the size of his tomatoes or zucchinis! He enjoyed watching professional soccer, “Olympiakos!!!!”, but also watching his son play. Sam once warned an opposing team before a game, “You no score on my boy today”- a line that has since become an oft-quoted memory among Evangelos’ friends and teammates. He was very proud to have passed on his soccer passion to his granddaughters and took delight in hearing about their games.

Sam leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory: his wife of 65 years, Areti Panopalis (nee Georgoudis); children Maria Ioannidou (Andreas) and Evangelos (Caroline); grandchildren Yianni (Irini), Sotirios, Victor, Areti, Eleni, and Margarita; and great-grandchild Panayiota. He is also survived by his brothers Gregory (Georgia), Thanasi (Julia), George (Demetra), and sister Kanelli (Dimitri), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Katina (Kosta) Georgoudis, Martha (Aristides) Papoulis. He was also predeceased by his cherished son, Dimitri, whose passing 22 years ago was a profound loss for Sam. We take comfort in the belief that they are now reunited.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and care givers that looked after him this past year in particular; The Heart Function Clinic at QEII, The Emergency Department, The Department of Respirology, The Hospitalist Unit of the QEII, and The Palliative Care and Continuing Care Teams. Thank you, to his family physician, Dr. Piskata, who called to check in weekly. We should be very proud as Nova Scotians to have the quality of care that is provided. A special thank you to good neighbours and friends, Martha and Rick Baigent, who were a constant support over the years.

Visitation will be held at Snow’s Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive; Halifax, Monday, August 18th, 5-8pm, with the funeral service on Tuesday, August 19th, 12 noon, at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, 1146 Purcell’s Cove Road, Halifax. Interment at Fairview Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam’s memory may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

May his memory be eternal.