Charlie was born in Pano Kivides, Limassol, Cyprus, February 10, 1934. He graduated from Commercial Lyceum Limassol, with honours, in 1952 and became a police officer. He worked for almost four years in Egypt under the British Empire. Charlie returned to Limassol, Cyprus and married Maria Mylona, on November 13, 1955. Worked as a police officer (badge #696) for the Cyprus Police Force for 10 years and resigned to immigrate to Toronto, Ontario, Canada to provide his young family a better future. Charlie initially came to Canada on his own, had various jobs to earn a meagre living such as a dishwasher, delivery person etc. When he finally had enough funds, he studied at the Toronto Police Academy and became a constable for the Metropolitan Toronto Police (Badge #1887). The family was then reunited in Canada.
Charlie walked the beat for miles and miles in the frigid cold winters for years. Upon leaving the force after 16+ years Charlie opened his own business on Broadview Ave., Toronto and was extremely successful.
During times of struggle himself, Charlie never hesitated to help anyone in need, whether they were strangers, friends or family. He was instrumental in sponsoring and finding jobs and bettering people’s situations and lives. Some with extreme appreciation and others thankless but, Charlie always said “Do the best you can and if they don’t appreciate it, then it is their loss, as long you did it with your heart. Remember there is a God above watching.”
Charlie is preceded in death and now reunited with his first-born child, Yiannakis (6 years young, Cyprus) and his fifth born child, Johnny (36 years young, Toronto, July 2003). Also preceded by his father, Zacharias and his mother Christina (nee Oinisiforou) and his brother Demos. His in-laws for whom he cherished, John and Eleni Mylona. Preceded in death and reunited with his Goddaughter Agathi (Athy).
Charlie is survived by his “first” wife and soulmate of 65 years, Maria, daughters Andri, Joanna, Christia (Angelo Montenegrino), daughter-in-law Jana Zachariou. The pride and joy of his life, his grandchildren, Alexander (partner Nicole), Andrew, Zachary, Robert and Lukas. Charlie is also survived by his sisters, Ermioni (late Toelie), Irini (Kyriacos), Maroulla (Tasos), Nicki (Demos), Areti (partner Omar), Androulla (George), Kyriacou (Lazaros) and Georgoulla (Rico). Survived by his much-loved sister-in-laws Ellada (Panicos), Theordora (Modestos) and Kali (George), beloved brother-in-law Kyriacos (Panayiota), James (Maroulla). Survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Charlie’s family wishes to extend a sincere “thank you” to the Ottawa General Hospital Campus, particularly, Dr. Stephenson, Dr. Vickers, nurses Jona, David, Kerry, Melissa, Belande and Bola along with special healthcare aids and friends Precy and Adela Villacarlos, Father Alex, Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church (Ottawa) for his many prayers and services. The Elizabeth Bruyere team, namely Mario, Joan, Christine, Shawn, Zoe, Claire, Taylor and Renata. A special “thank you” to extended family Joachim, Jenny, Ming Lai, Michael and Pearce. Chosen daughters Maria and Franca. An enormous thank you to all of Charlie’s friends whom he has had for 50+ years. The breaking of bread, special events and the day to day friends sharing souvla with so many stories and reminiscing.
Visitation at Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street, Toronto, at 5:00pm until 8:00pm, Monday July 8th, 2019. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting your consideration to donate in honour of Charlie’s memory to Bruyere Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 5th Floor, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9Z9, where Charlie was provided exceptional care nearing the end of his life.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30am, Tuesday July 9, 2019, 3840 Finch Ave E, Scarborough, with Reverend Father Fanourios Pappas of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Elgin Mills Cemetery, 1591 Elgin Mills Road, Richmond Hill. Reception to follow at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
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