Tosis "Tosh" Belesiotis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and pappou Tosis Belesiotis at the age of 93. He was born on March 27, 1928 in Nestani, Tripolis, Greece to Dimitris and Eleni Belesiotis. He was the fourth child to be born out of a loving family of eight. During his youth in Greece, he worked numerous jobs specializing as a horse farrier, and working in agriculture. In his early twenties,he completed his required military responsibilities with the Hellenic Republic in Serres, Greece. Many years later, he longed to be with his younger brother Tom Belesiu and sister-in-law Georgia in Stanfield, Oregon. Thus in 1960, Tosis immigrated to Oregon where he spent many summers working within the  watermelon distributing industry. At the close of the harvesting season, he would frequently travel to Chicago, Illinois where he mastered the craft of American diner cuisine. In 1963, Tosis moved to Portland, Oregon where he had saved enough money to purchase his first restaurant in collaboration with his brother Tom. They named it, “The Mediterranean.” It was the beginning of many Tosis Restaurants that he would own in the Rose City over the course of the next half century.

Tosis’ life became complete when he met the love of his life Maria P. Katsaros. They had 3 children, Eleni, Jim, and Rena. During their life together, they were additionally honored to have sponsored Maria’s siblings, Voula Bakouros and Thanasis Katsaros to join their family stateside.

His legacy is survived by his children Eleni Simich, Jim Belesiotis and Rena Bekris, along with his brothers Tom Belesiu and Panos Belesiotis (Toronto, Canada), son-in-laws Joe Simich and Yani Bekris followed by four grandchildren; Giorgina, Anastasia, Adrianos and Wayne.  He also had step grandchildren Alex and Michael Simich who he loved dearly. Tosis also leaves his loving sister-in-laws Georgia Belesiu, Voula Bakouros, Toula Belesiotis and Katerina Katsaros, and brother-in-laws Alexis Bakouros and Thansis Katsaros. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews from around the world, who he spoke so highly of and loved deeply, along with a future daughter-in-law Christina Caryle.

Tosis is preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Maria who passed away on June 2, 2014. Along with his siblings; Sotiris Belesiotis, Giorgia Dori, Kostis Belesiotis, Tresefani Belesiotis and George Belesiotis.  Our hearts feel content knowing that they are together, watching over each and everyone of us. May their memory be eternal.In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that a donation be made Kids n Cancer Camp Agape.

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