From Mimis Plessas to Emmanuel Alfieris, 2024 has been characterised by the loss of a number of great Greek celebrities and Greek Australian community leaders.
As the year comes to an end, The Greek Herald remembers those who have passed away this year.
Mimis Plessas
The ‘giant of modern Greek music,’ Mimis Plessas, passed away just a week shy of his 100th birthday. Plessas’ death was confirmed on Saturday, October 5 by his wife, Loukila Carrer.
Plessas was a beloved musician and composer in Greece, whose music featured in scores of films, television shows and theatrical productions.
Emmanuel Alfieris
The former President of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA), Emmanuel Alfieris passed away suddenly at the age of 53. Mr Alfieris passed away in Sydney on Wednesday, July 17 after a heart attack during a soccer match.
Vardis Vardinogiannis
Vardis Vardinogiannis, a towering figure in Greek shipping, energy, and business, passed away at the age of 91. His death, which occurred on Tuesday, November 12, was confirmed by Motor Oil Hellas, the oil company that Vardinogiannis transformed into one of Greece’s largest and most influential corporations.
Peter Yiannoudes
Cypriot Australian Peter Yiannoudes, a beloved figure who had a pivotal influence on the success of Greek cinema in Melbourne, passed away in November 2024.
A pioneer of Greek cinema in Australia, Yiannoudes formed a film company in 1958 called “Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures” together with Andreas Papadopoulos and Stathis Raftopoulos, to be joined soon after by Chris Louis from Sydney. They became the sole Greek (and other) film distributors in Australia, catering to the immigrant populations of the post-WWII period.
Peter Jasonides
Prominent and much-loved Pontian community leader Peter Jasonides passed away on July 2 in Melbourne, Victoria.
Mr Jasonides was a former President of the Pan Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, a leading member of the Pontian community, and founder of ITHEA Educational Institution.
Mr Jasonides was unwell for the past few years and passed away at home surrounding by his family. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Natole, and son George.
Vasso Papandreou
Vasso Papandreou, one of the founding members of the socialist PASOK party, and a former European commissioner, minister, and MP, passed away in October 2024 at the age of 79. Reports suggest that she had been struggling with health issues in recent months.
Papandreou was best known for her advocacy of women’s rights and was notably the first woman to represent Greece as a commissioner in the European Union, then the European Economic Community. She also championed social welfare and disability rights.
Georgia Alexandrou
The Cypriot Australian community was in mourning this year following the death of Georgia Alexandrou on Sunday, April 21 after a long battle with cancer.
Ms Alexandrou was the first female leader to have taken the presidency of the Cyprus Community of ACT (CCACT) from 2000-2023. Her strong and enduring leadership provided a long period of stability for the Cypriots in the Canberra district and all of Australia.
Yiannis Boutaris
Yiannis Boutaris, the former mayor of Thessaloniki, esteemed businessman, and respected oenologist, passed away on Saturday, November 9, at the age of 82 after battling severe health issues in recent months.
His death marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to both the revitalisation of his city and the growth of Greece’s wine industry.
Kikis Eftimiou
Renowned Sydney businessman Kikis Eftimiou OAM passed away on June 25 at the age of 91. A migrant from Skarinou, Cyprus, Mr Eftimiou dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the Greek culture, language and cuisine in Australia.
As a businessman for over 60 years, Mr Eftimiou was the owner of Australia’s largest import company of Greek products, KEBIA Importex, until 2013. Mr Eftimiou co-founded the company with Vasilis Iatropoulos.
Jack Passaris OAM
Much-loved multicultural advocate Jack Passaris OAM passed away in August 2024 at the age of 88.
Mr Passaris was well-known for his strong passion for multiculturalism and for the development of a culturally diverse society. He also held multiple positions on not-for-profit boards and community organisations.
Bill Caralis
One of Australia’s most well-known radio tycoons Bill Caralis passed away on Friday, July 19. Mr Caralis reportedly suffered a heart attack at his Tweed Heads home in northern NSW.
Mr Caralis was the founder, chairman and managing director or 2SM Super Radio Network. 2SM is the largest privately-owned radio network in NSW.
Nikos Sarganis
Nikos Sarganis, the legendary Greek goalkeeper known as “The Phantom,” passed away in December 2024 at the age of 70. Reports confirm that Sarganis had been hospitalised in critical condition and was in a coma prior to his death.
Throughout his career, Sarganis played for several top clubs, including Ilisiakos, Kastoria, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos and Athinaikos. He also earned 58 caps for the Greek national team, solidifying his place as one of Greece’s greatest goalkeepers.
Con Savvas
Con Savvas, a celebrated figure at Adelaide Central Market and founder of Con’s Fine Food in South Australia, passed away in November 2024 at the age of 90.
Known for his generosity, passion, and warm personality, Con left an indelible mark on the market community and beyond. His family continues his legacy, with sons Ross, Anthony, and Alex, as well as his daughter-in-law and granddaughter, remaining deeply involved in the business.
Lex Marinos
Australian actor and director Lex Marinos OAM died in September 2024 at the age of 75. Marinos passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family.
Born in Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, Marinos was celebrated for his extensive contributions to Australian television and theatre. His notable roles included performances in iconic local dramas such as Kingswood Country, A Country Practice and The Slap.
Vefa Alexiadou
Popular TV chef Vefa Alexiadou passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91 in a Thessaloniki hospital.
Alexiadou was affectionately known as Greece’s “national chef.” She became a household name in the 1990s, starting her television career on Ant1 TV, where she hosted popular cooking shows.
She was also the author of a series of cookbooks, two of which received prestigious awards in 1998 and 2000 at the International Cookbook Exhibition in Perigueux, France.
