Obituary of Konstantinos Babalis

Konstantinos Babalis
January 20th,1930 – April 6th, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of our beloved Father, Konstantinos “Gus” Babalis, on April 6th, 2026, at the age of 96. Surrounded by his family, he passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lasting legacy of strength, wisdom, devotion, and cherished memories.

Born in Kallipefki,  Mount Olympus, Greece on January 20th, 1930, Gus devoted his life wholeheartedly to those he loved most. He served as the foundation of our family—a constant source of guidance and support whose care and selflessness left a lasting imprint across generations. Gus immigrated to Canada in 1956 to Leamington, Ontario. During this time, he worked in the farm fields and worked as a waiter in the local restaurants. Gus went back to Greece in 1963 where he met and married Maria. Once back in Canada, Gus founded the Venus De Milo Restaurant in Blenheim. From there, he opened the Venus De Milo Steak House in Chatham and finished his career running the Saxony Diner. His customers followed him faithfully just for his talents of infamous soups and coconut cream pies. Gus was always a very happy soul and always wanted to make everyone laugh at his jokes. Gus and his wife enjoyed many trips to Greece in the summers and seemed to get younger and younger every year he came back, hence living a full life now to the age of 96.

Gus is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Maria, his three children, Anna (Brian Goldoni), Lolita Babalis, James Babalis (Viki), grandchildren, Margarita (Jason Missiaen), Vickie (Adriano Corsini), Tony Kiriakopoulos (Carman), Alexander Goldoni (Marina), great-grandchildren Lucca, Adriana, Massimo, Mia, Joseph and Mathew, and dearly loved by many nephews, nieces, and friends who cherished him deeply and enjoyed many laughs and stories with him. He was predeceased by his parents Dimitrios (1981) and Anna (1992), sister Stamatia Babalis, and brothers Nikos Babalis (Asimina) and Athanasios Babalis. Survived by his sister Marika (Kosta Liovas) and sister-in-law Georgia Babalis.

To those who knew him, Gus was more than a husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather. The values he instilled, the traditions he upheld, and the stories he shared will continue to be carried forward by those he held dear. Gus was instrumental in being the pioneer of bringing his entire family to Canada, where he aimed for a better life.

Family and friends are invited to honor his life at a visitation held in St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, 816 Grand Ave E, Chatham, ON, on Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father George Papazoglou officiating. Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery.
 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040