Trifon Papageorgiou passed away on March 19, 2026, at home. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 65 years, Marika, his daughter Gina, his granddaughters Julie and Lisa, his son in law Stephen, his sister and brother Tula and Tom, his many nieces and nephews and his beloved grand dog Lucy.

Trifon was born on February 4, 1934, in a small village called Emborion in Northern Greece.

As a teenager Trifon served in the military for two years.

Trifon and Marika’s life together was a true love story. They met when Trifon was on leave from the military and Marika went to his family’s’ home to look at a carpet that she wanted to recreate on her loom. Before they married, Trifon moved to Canada and worked for two years to save enough money to start their new life. Then he returned to Greece, married Marika, and they sailed to Canada.

They were part of a wider community of immigrants from Emborion who shared weddings, the birth of children and grandchildren, their dreams and their lives.

Trifon and Marika operated several successful restaurants, including Texas drive-in, Mountain Grove Family Restaurant and Cassidy’s cafeteria. Eating at their establishments was an exceptional experience worthy of a special journey (and perhaps even deserving of a three-star Michelin rating!)

Trifon’s children knew him as “Baba”, his nieces and nephews knew him as “Theo” and his granddaughters called him “Dedo”. Indeed, in his later years, even nonfamily members called him “Dedo”, he was so beloved.

Trifon retired soon after the birth of his grandchildren and became their full-time caregiver together with Marika. He would have it no other way. He spent the latter part of his life proudly pushing a baby carriage, calling people over to meet his grandchildren, changing diapers, walking his grandchildren to school, playing with them, and later supporting his grandchildren in everything they did. His relationship with his granddaughters Julie and Lisa was beyond special; they knew they could count on him in every way and at all times, no matter what.

His life was defined by his intelligence, courage, honesty, integrity, sense of humour and love of family, but mostly by his empathy and compassion. No creature was too small or insignificant to receive his kindness and caring, (and non-stop treats as Lucy well knows!!)

His family loved him with all of their hearts, and nothing will ever be the same.

His viewing will be held at Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St W., Toronto, Ontario, M9A 1B6 on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The funeral will be held at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 1785 Matheson Blvd, Mississauga on Friday, March 27, 2028 at 10 a.m.

Interment Park Lawn Cemetery