Obituary of Nick Kardaras

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Nick Kardaras at the age of 85. Beloved husband to Emmelia (Alexandrou), Nick was a loving and devoted father to his sons Tom (Mary), John (Morgan), and Mano, whom he cherished above all else.

Born in Arkadia, Greece, Nick was the fourth of five children to Thanasi and Ioanna Kardaras. In 1957, he immigrated to Canada at the age of 17 to start a new life in Ottawa. It was there that he reunited with his brother Angelo and worked in various kitchens. During the 1970s, he worked as a chef at the Golden Totem Restaurant at the Ottawa Airport, followed by a long tenure as a chef at Alexis Restaurant during the 1980s. He was also owner of the Commercial Hotel in Brockville, Ontario, and co-owner of Angelo’s Restaurant in Smiths Falls.

Many members of the Hellenic Community of Ottawa fondly remember Nick for his time as head chef of the Hellenic Banquet Centre. Between 1994 and 2006, countless guests enjoyed his delicious food, helping to build the reputation of the Hellenic Banquet Centre as one of the top event centres in the city. He also ran the kitchen during the very popular Ottawa Greek Festival.

Nick’s greatest joy in life was to cook. He delighted in feeding others and making them happy. Long after he retired, he also continued supporting his Church and Greek community, generously lending his time and talents - passing down cherished recipes to new chefs, preparing meals for countless community events - including GreekFest.

Visitation will take place at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, on Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (with Trisagion at 6:00 p.m.) and again on Monday, September 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Internment will take place at Pinecrest Cemetery, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Ottawa Civic Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Nick’s memory can be made to the Hellenic Community of Ottawa in memory of Nick Kardaras.