Obituary of Christos Korbilas

Christos KORBILAS

It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Christos Korbilas a beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather.

Christos passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Ottawa General Hospital on October 30, 2024 at the age of 84 years old.

Christos was a cherished Husband to Sotiria (Diamantopoulos) and a proud Father to his two children John (Dimitra) and Betty (Stavros). Christos was also a proud Papou to Christos and Giorgos who he adored immensely. 

Christos was predeceased by his eldest brothers (Sotirios and Panagiotis) and his parents Ioannis and Panagiota in Greece. 

Christos held a special place in his heart for his eldest sisters Tassia (deceased brother in law Nicholas) and Christina (deceased brother in law Kosta). He was also fond of Sotiria’s Brothers George and Taki (Nicoletta) and her Sister Pitsa (Ioannis) in Greece. 

He treasured his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and great grandnephew in Ottawa and Greece who all held a special place in his heart and in their hearts for their Theio Christos.

Christos was born and raised in Partheni, Arcadia, Greece. He was the youngest son of five children born to Ioannis and Panagiota Korbilas. Being the youngest son he was extremely adored by his entire family. As a young Greek immigrant, Christos travelled by Sea to Canada in the 1960’s with the help of his eldest sister, Tassia and brother in law, Nicholas Boutziouvis. Throughout the years he expanded his horizons by working a number of positions in Canada. Whether he was working along side his Koumbari, Ted Gritziotis (predeceased) or Kosta “Joe” Kalogeropoulos, in the food industry or as a quality control employee at a Ginger Ale Factory, Christos was always trying to find a way to make a future for himself here in Canada. With the support of his family and his drive to be self employed, Christos was able to purchase his own Taxi Service. This venture allowed him to meet a number of personalities which included various Politicians as well as Former Prime Ministers. He travelled to Greece in the early 1970’s where he met and married his wife of 51 years, Sotiria. Returning to Canada with his wife they were blessed with two children, John and Betty. As an avid and talented soccer player from Greece Christos maintained his love for the game and continued to play in Canada along side his friends. A legacy that lives on in his son John and his grandsons Christos and Giorgos. As well as an athlete he was also a musician playing the Accordian recreationally. As he retired he remained extremely active through his love of gardening, home and vehicle repairs as well as clearing the sidewalk to perfection during the winter months. Christos also enjoyed watching and listening to his daily Political News Broadcasts in Greece, Canada and the United States often with his daughter Betty by his side. Christos was a spiritual person who attended church and followed weekly Greek Liturgies in Greece on ERT. Christos was also a supporter of the Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church and The Hellenic Community of Ottawa. 

Christos was an extremely active and energetic 84 year old up until his finally days. He was a quiet and calm soul. A man of few words but when he spoke everyone listened. He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly everyday. 

A heartfelt thank you to the first responders and Dr. Kim and his team as well as the nurses of the Intensive Care Unit at the General Hospital for the compassionate care, loving attention and dignity shown to Christos.

We are also very appreciative for the spiritual support from Protopresbyter Father Alex Michalopulos and Father Avakum as well as the many prayers from family and friends. Thank you also to the staff at the Cole Funeral Services and Pinecrest Cemetery for their professional and exceptional services.

Family will receive friends on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (1315 Prince of Wales Drive) from 11am to 12pm followed by The Funeral Service at 12pm. Interment will follow at 1:30pm at Pinecrest Cemetery. Makaria (reception) to follow in the Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church basement.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Hellenic Community of Ottawa (Greek Orthodox Church).