PETER POLY

PETER POLY 1924 - 2016 Peter passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the age of 91. His beloved wife Sotiria, his son Peter, his daughter-in-law Virginia and his grandson Pete were at his side. Peter was born on September 9, 1924 in the City of Naousa in northern Greece. When he was twelve, his family moved to Athens so that he could attend Varvakeio School, a public school for the top students in Greece. He served in the Greek army for four years during the Greek Civil War, a tragic conflict that he loathed. Peter later attended the University of Athens, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. He then began work as the Chief Chemist at the Bodosakis Munitions Factory in Athens. Peter took a sabbatical from the factory to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on a scholarship to pursue his Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering. In 1962, Peter and Sotiria immigrated to Toronto. Upon arriving, Peter commenced work as a Research Scientist for the Ontario Research Foundation. After a few years in this position, he left the world of science to pursue his interest in business. During the Greek military junta of 1967-74, Peter was actively involved in efforts to overthrow the country's dictatorship. He was a founding member of the Panhellenic Liberation Movement, also known by its Greek acronym "PAK". He was a trusted friend and confidante of PAK's leader and the future Greek prime minister, Andreas Papandreou. Shortly after retiring, Peter began volunteering full-time with the Hellenic Home for the Aged, later serving as its President from 1981 to 1987. Before his involvement, a Greek senior citizens home was a long-yearned-for dream of Toronto's Greek community. Through his tireless efforts, Peter turned it into a reality. Under his leadership, funds were raised to acquire a property at 33 Winona Drive in Toronto. It is here where the Hellenic Home and the Estia Centre stands. In 1986, Mayor Art Eggleton and Peter cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for this project. In recognition of his contributions, the general assembly of the Hellenic Home for the Aged named him its "Honorary President". The last years of Peter's life were spent enjoying the treasured company of his family, especially his grandson Pete, with whom he loved to play backgammon, laugh and tell stories. Family and friends will be received at HERITAGE FUNERAL CENTRE, 50 Overlea Blvd., 416-423-1000, on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at ST. DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 30 Thorncliffe Park Drive, on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 12 p.m. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Online condolences and directions may be found at www.heritagefuneralcentre.ca