VENIZELOS "Victor" KONSTANDINOS ERMIDIS, age 75, of PARMA HTS., OHIO, passed away on December 23, 2020 peacefully and surrounded by his family.
Victor was born in Bessarabia, Romania on November 10, 1945. As post WW II tensions increased his family was forced to flee via a prison train for a 12-day trek to Alma Ata, Kazakhstan in 1949. Years later they moved from Kazakhstan to Greece. After many years of struggle and financial hardship with the help of his aunt Marika he eventually made his way to the USA. On May 26, 1969 at age 24 he arrived in New York, NY, it was here he began his American Dream.
Victor worked at Ford Motor Company for 38 years while at the same time owning and operating Victorio's Family Restaurant in Parma Heights, OH for 16 of those years. He was the heart and soul of Victorio's, always known for warmly greeting each patron and making everyone feel at home.
Victor was fluent in 5 languages; English, Greek, Russian, Ukrainian and Romanian. He was strong in his faith and his heritage. He loved to deliver passionate speeches, enjoyed playing cards at the kafenio, going to the casino, and throwing the largest most elaborate parties and dancing. He loved watching Cleveland pro sports and in his younger years he was an avid soccer, hockey and volleyball player.
Along with his siblings, he shared a great passion for the Phoenix Greek Pontian Society where he was an active member for many years. Victor and Bessie traveled far and near to celebrate their Greek culture through watching their grandkids, nieces and nephews dance to the Pontiako music. This brought him so much joy.
Above all he cherished his wife Bessie Ermidis (Geanneses) with whom he was married for 47 years, as well as his 4 daughters and 5 grandchildren. His daughters are his proudest accomplishment. His happiest moments were shared with his family, friends, and his grandchildren. He firmly believed that family was everything and that he was rich in life, not money.
Victor is survived by his wife Bessie; 4 children, Deanna Trihas (Pete), Sophia Kafantaris (George), Dina Mucciarone (Albert), Anna Stilianos (Steve); his 5 grandchildren, Kosta, Victor, Massimo, Miko and Zoe "Zoula"; his 2 brothers, Emmanuel Ermidis (Marina), John Ermidis (Yulia), his sisters Elaine Papadopoulos (Demetri) and Christina Blubaugh (Charlie); his nieces and nephews and many other family members and friends. Victor is preceded in death by his parents, Constantinos and Diana Ermidis.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 W. 14 th Street, Cleveland, 44113. Funeral Services will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. and the burial services will immediately follow at Saint Theodosius Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by The Zabor Funeral Home, Parma. To offer condolences please visit www.ZaborFH.com
He will be missed but never forgotten. We love you Baba.