Stavros Kottaras

Beloved husband of Katerina (nee Psihopedas). Loving father of George Kottaras (Angie) and Nick Kottaras (Barbara). Proud grandfather who will be missed dearly by Steven and Helen. Predeceased by parents George and Androniki Kottaras, and brother Elias (Sandy), as well as in-laws Nick and Eleni Psihopedas, Xrisoula and Perikli, and George and Effie. Survived by brother Peter Kottaras (Mary). Also survived by sisters-in-law Maria (the late John), Bessie (Peter), and brother-in-law Panagioti (Georgia). He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends in Canada, the USA, Greece and Australia.

Stavros emigrated to Canada in 1964 from Anogia, Laconia, Greece and married Katerina soon after. He worked at the Drake Hotel initially before becoming a career insurance broker. However, he is most known for his music - singing and playing guitar in the band he formed with his brothers, called “The Specials”. The band was frequently the entertainment at endless Greek festivals, dances, weddings and baptisms in Toronto as well as across Ontario and Canada. He was involved in the Greek community as the President of the Anogiaton Society in Toronto for many years.

In Greece he helped fundraise for the needs of his village and church. He enjoyed spending time with his family-especially his grandchildren, meeting up with friends at the “kafenio”, gardening and spending summers in Greece. He was an avid fan of sports including the Argonauts, the Leafs, and the Blue Jays. He was a fun-loving, kind-hearted man who enjoyed life and was well-liked by all.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 13 from 4-8 p.m. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, January 14 at 11 a.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1 Brookhaven Drive, Toronto, Ontario. Interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery.