Georgeos (George) Kanellis
August 14, 1935 - January 20, 2026
With courage and grace, Georgeos Kanellis of London, Ontario, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on January 20, 2026 in his 91st year.
Born on August 14, 1935, in Elaiochori, Greece, George lived a long and purposeful life defined by hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to his family.
George was predeceased by his parents, Athanasios and Konstantina; his brothers, Konstantinos and Tryphonas; his sisters, Maria (Konstantinos) and Georgia; and his son-in-law, John. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Efstathia; his brothers Emmanuel (Majda) and Nick (Trudy); his sister Helen (Kostas); his brother-in-law Vangelis and sister-in-law Voula; his children Konstantina (George), Paulette (John, deceased), and Maria (Lorenzo); his grandchildren Michael (Konstantina), Nicholas (Maria), Emmanuela (Leftheris), Emily, Leah (Art), Tessa, Rebecca (Bill), and Rachel; and his great-grandchildren Emmeleia, Bebis, Anna, Leon, Melite, Maeve, Dante, Theo, and Geneva. He is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
George began his working life at the age of 13 in his uncle’s restaurant in Greece. In pursuit of new opportunities, he immigrated to Canada in 1959 with his wife, Efstathia, and their infant daughter, Konstantina. After settling in Canada, they were blessed with two more children, Paulette and Maria. Starting once again as a dishwasher, George worked diligently and with integrity to become a successful restaurateur; co-owning and/or operating several establishments, most notably The Friar’s Cellar, Spooners and Pizza Hut. He earned the respect of colleagues and patrons alike through his strong work ethic and principled approach to business.
After retiring in his mid-fifties, George devoted his time to his family, especially his grandchildren, with whom he shared a close and cherished bond. He enjoyed making homemade wine, golfing, tending his vegetable garden, playing cards with his brothers and friends, visiting with his sisters, and spending extended time in Greece each year.
Above all, George’s life was anchored by his enduring devotion to his wife, Efstathia. Their marriage spanned nearly seven decades and remained the defining constant of his life.
The family gratefully acknowledges the staff at AgeCare for their compassionate and attentive care.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 23, 2026 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. Prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 131 Southdale Road West, London, with Father Konstantine Chatzis presiding. Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery. Join us at the Hellenic Centre for a traditional Makaria (meal of blessings) following the interment.
For anyone wishing to make a donation in George’s memory, please consider Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or Diabetes Canada.
For those unable to attend the service, it will be livestreamed. To register for the livestream, click on Remembering Georgeos.
Leave a tribute for Georgeos (George) Kanellis
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To the family of Georgeos Kanellis. It is with great sadness that we offer our condolences for the passing of this wonderful man. I remember when George and Efstathia and little Dina came from Greece and my mom and dad shared many good times visiting back and forth. Dina Paulette and Maria Cherish the memories that your dear father who worked so hard and was so successful in life. Please offer our deepest condolences to your sweet mother. May his memory be eternal Kalo Paradiso dear Georgeos
Our Condolences to all the Family.
So sorry to hear about your passing George , my condolences to your family🙏🏻 I enjoyed working for you at the Friars Celler many years ago and your patronage buying your Cadillacs from me at London Motor Products . Always a smile a few kind words and always classy! RIP George
It is with deep sorrow that I heard the passing of my long time friend George. I will remember him from the enjoyable lunch meetings we used to have regularly and the wonderful trips we shared in Greece,Mexico, the Islands and elsewhere . We seamed to like the same kind of things and so much so that we managed to arrange adjoined plots at Woodland and who knows we may meet again some where. Good buy my dear friend and I am very sorry I have to say this from my very distant home south. From my wife Georgia and I our warmest and most sincere sympathies to Efstathia,Xeni,Maria and Lorenzo and Families, from all the Chioros Family the deepest sympathies to all the Kanellis Family ,Nick and Trudy,Mike and Family and to the rest of the very large Kanellis Family as well. George Chioros
May his memory be eternal ! Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτού!
I wish to all of his family to live many happy years to remember him and may his blessing be with them
Services for Georgeos (George) Kanellis
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
January 23, 2026 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Prayers will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
January 23, 2026 7:30 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
131 Southdale Road West
London, Ontario
January 24, 2026 9:30 am
Additional Service information
Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery following the service. Join us at the Hellenic Center for a traditional Makaria (meal of blessings) following his interment.
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To the family my sincere condolences. May his memory be eternal.
~ Stella Allilomis { nee Laskaris}