Obituary of Peter Georgoudis

Obituary of Peter Georgoudis

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our patriarch, Peter Georgoudis (“Papou”), on January 27th, 2023, at the age of 89. Peter was born on November 3rd, 1933, in southern Greece to the late George and Penelope (Barbagiannis) Georgoudis.

In the 1950s, Peter was drafted to the Greek Army. Later in 1959, Peter immigrated to Montreal on his journey for a better life. Peter’s long time love Maria also came to Canada in 1961 to join him. The couple married and raised their children together. In 1970, along with his brothers Nick and Demetrios, he opened the Mister Donut franchise in Montreal. Then in 1972, he left Montreal with his brothers to open Vito’s restaurant in Saint John. 

Vito’s began as a small takeout shop and then expanded to three well-known and loved restaurants. The Vito’s restaurants thrived from Peter’s hard work ethic and strong family values. Vito’s quickly became a staple in the community through its food, family atmosphere, sports ownerships, sponsorships, and community involvement. As proud as Peter was of the business, his first and foremost priority was family. His children and grandchildren brought him so much joy and happiness. Peter had a Greek proverb for every situation and loved to tell stories about his life. Peter was strong in his faith and was a member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. 

Peter was the recipient of two Governor General awards, the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation approved by Her Majesty The Queen, which honors Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community or to Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Brothers Peter and Nick won both the Allan Cup in 1992 as owners of the Saint John Vito’s, and then the Calder Cup in 2001 as the Saint John Flames. Peter and Nick are the only owners to possess both these rings. Peter was also recognized in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame as a builder.

Peter is survived by his beloved daughters Penelope Georgoudis (John Mitsopulos) of Oakville, Demetra Georgoudis (Petros Gouskos) of Laval, son George “Medium” Georgoudis (Angela) of Rothesay, and George “Big” Georgoudis (Litsa) of Quispamsis; and his cherished grandchildren Maria, Olivia, Adryan, Olivia, Peter, Thalia, Dimitri, and Sophia; his sister Anthoula (Sotirios), his brother Nicholas (Konstantina); and many nieces, nephews, brothers’ in-law, and sister’s in-law.

Peter was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Maria of 55 years, and his brothers Constantine and Demetrios.

We would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, licensed practical nurses, and personal care assistants at Saint John Regional Hospital for their kind and compassionate care provided to Peter, and a special thanks to Nurse Allyson on 5C North.

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, with visitation being held on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023, from 2-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 31 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay, NB on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, at 11 AM. Interment will take place at Fernhill Cemetery.

For those who wish, remembrances in memory of Peter may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of NB or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made to www.BrenansFH.com.