Spyros Gionas (Raphael Monahos)
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On October 10, 2025 @ 2:59 pm In Bolton Area,Obituaries | 7 Comments
August 30, 1939 – October 8, 2025
Spyros Gionas, 86, of Toronto, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Perthori (Tripoli), Greece, Spyros lived a life defined by unwavering faith, loyalty, and steadfast devotion to his family.
Spyros served with pride in the Greek Air Force before immigrating to Canada, where he built a life grounded in hard work and integrity. A skilled contractor, he was known for his intelligence, craftsmanship, and ability to solve any problem.
For over 63 years, Spyros was devoted to his beloved wife, Vasiliki. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and mutual respect centered on their children and grandchildren.
Spyros selflessly served the St. Athanasius Orthodox Christian Mission from the date it was founded in 1992, in various positions on the board of directors, and as president from 2016 to present; he supported a number of pilgrimages to the Holy Monastery of Saint Anthony in Arizona, which helped many in obtaining the spiritual guidance of Elder Ephraim, of blessed memory.
Even through years of declining health, his faith never wavered; he faced every challenge with grace, acceptance and an unshakeable trust in God’s plan.
Spyros received the blessing he had prayed for and was tonsured a monk and given the name Raphael Monahos. This sacred act brought him profound peace as he prepared for his journey home to God.
Spyros is survived by his devoted wife Vasiliki; his children Michael (Gina), Betty, and Constantinos (Yany); his beloved grandchildren Chris, Matthew, Nicholas, Maria, Spyros, and Gabriel; his siblings Anastasios (Panagiota) and Anna (predeceased by George); and many dear friends who were blessed to know him.
He is predeceased by his parents Menas and Panagiota, his sister Eleni and her husband George, and by loved ones in Greece who have now welcomed him home.
Though his body grew weary, his spirit remained strong until the very end.
The family will receive their friends at St. Kosmas Aitolos Greek Orthodox Monastery, 14155 Caledon King Townline South, Bolton on Tuesday evening, October 14 from 5 – 8 o’clock. Funeral service will be held in St. Kosmas Aitolos Greek Orthodox Monastery on Wednesday morning, October 15 at 11 o’clock. Interment Elgin Mills Cemetery, 1591 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Kosmas Aitolos Greek Orthodox Monastery.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Condolences for the family of “Spyros Gionas (Raphael Monahos)”
In Loving Memory of Spyros Gionas ( Raphael Monahos)
Dear Vasso, Michael, Betty, Costantinos, grandchildren Tasso, Yiota Anna and all the family .
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved cousin, Spyros.
To us, he was far more than family — he was like an older brother, a mentor, and a guiding light throughout our childhood.
Growing up together in Perthori, Tripoli, Greece, we shared countless memories of simpler times — days filled with laughter, care, and learning. Spyros was a man of great discipline and determination, especially when it came to our education and upbringing. He always made sure we stayed on the right path, encouraging us to study hard and to be our best selves.
I still remember with deep fondness how Spyros would ride his pushbike to our village in Perthori to pick me up. At that time, it felt like a true luxury — my only form of transport was my donkey! Those moments of him arriving with his bike, full of energy and purpose, remain forever in my heart. They were symbols of his generosity, his dedication, and the brotherly care he had for us all.
He was my tutor and mentor through my school years — patient, intelligent, and endlessly giving. His example taught us not just lessons of knowledge, but lessons of character, respect, and perseverance.
Even after he moved to Canada, the bond we shared remained strong, carried through memories that have never faded. His kindness, wisdom, and laughter continue to echo in our hearts.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
May you find comfort in the love you shared, the beautiful memories you hold, and the legacy Spyros leaves behind through his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Your family in Australia —
Harry, Annette and Eleni Drouzias.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory forever shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
It was my luck, my honour, and my privilege to be blessed to have this beautiful soul as my Father. I had 55 years with him, and I truly wished for 500 more. I am so grateful that my two boys got to know him, and be touched by his wisdom, loyalty, and eternal Love. They will always remember their wonderful Pappou, and they will miss his kind and patient Love. They know that he will always be with them.
I remember everything you taught me, Dad. You gave everything to your family. You sacrificed everything for us. I can never forget you, or the unswerving Love you humbled me with. You were on an express train to Heaven, and you always tried to remind us that this life was temporary. Everyone who ever knew you, would agree. I could write a billion words about you, but you already know that with all of my imperfections I am still your youngest child who Loves his Daddy and will miss him every day I have left.
Thank You for never giving up on me, It took me some time to realize you ALWAYS had my back. I will try my best to live life closer to the way you did. Until then, I will dream about seeing you again. Thank You, Dad. I Love You Forever.
Gus, our sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Manny, Shannon and the girls.
My condolence to the Gionas family and may God strengthen them in this hard times. I am with them in prayers. Accept my condolence Betty and the whole Gionas family
Dear Betty & Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Though I never had the privilege of meeting Spyros, it’s clear that his legacy shines brightly through each of you—his children and grandchildren. You are a living tribute to the love, strength, and values he embodied.
He has now been called home to the Lord. May you find comfort in his enduring faith, and in knowing that his pain has come to an end. His spirit lives on in your hearts and in the lives he helped shape.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
– Milka
May his memory be eternal and may the Lord remember his angelic schema in His heavenly kingdom. Our love and condolences to Betty, Niko, Maria, and family who have lost their patriarch. May our Lord comfort you in your great loss as we await the Resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.
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We are deeply saddened to hear of Spyros’ passing. We have known him since 2003, when we moved into our current home. Every part of this house reflects his skill and dedication, and each corner holds a special memory.
Although he first came to work in our home professionally, over the years we became very good friends. He watched our children grow up and always took a genuine interest in their lives. We were truly blessed to have him and his wife attend our daughter’s wedding.
Spyros often spoke so fondly of Greece, where he was born, that he inspired us to visit and experience the beauty of his homeland ourselves.
Our whole family is so sorry for your loss and offers heartfelt condolences. Spyros will be deeply missed, but he will always be remembered with love and gratitude.