Odysseas Karageorgis passed away unexpectedly last Sunday afternoon.
Odysseas Karageorgis having arrived from Lefkoniko, Cyprus in 1952 at the age of 19, Odysseas soon became a pillar of both the Greek and Cypriot communities in London.
In his youth he was a prominent athlete who represented Cyprus in both the 200m and 400m events as well as in volleyball. A patriot in the truest sense, despite leaving Cyprus at such a young age he never lost touch with his homeland. He was the founder and President of Enosis Lefkonikiaton Anglias, an organization that supports the Lefkoniko and wider Cypriot communities in both London and Cyprus. He was also widely known as the first port of call for any young Cypriot searching for an opportunity in London; be it help with finding a place in a University, a job, or somewhere to live.
A Chartered Electrical Engineer by profession, Odysseas worked for Bell Laboratories and Standard Telephone & Cables, during which time he worked on projects with NASA as well as the radar equipment for the Concorde aeroplane.
In the 1960s he joined his brothers George and Michael at the renowned Elysee Restaurant in the West End, where Greek cuisine and culture were promoted throughout London at the time. Odysseas devoted more than 50 years to the establishment and continued to work there right up until his passing.
At 1pm on Sunday 3rd November 2013 Odysseas Karageorgis passed away unexpectedly at University College Hospital from acute pneumonia. He was 80 years old and is succeeded by his wife Jovanka and three sons Kyriakos, Alexander and Christopher.
Odysseas’ funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday 9th November 2013 All Saints’ Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Camden Street, London NW1 0JA and he will be buried at New Southgate Cemetery.
what a true great, one of the last remaining legends of the old school.
Very saddened, I worked with Odisseas as well with his two brothers George and Michael at the New Rainbow restaurant 1955-1957 in the summer period in Brighton. My condolence to All his family.
Mario Larnaca Cyprus
No greater man, cousin or friend. Deeply loved by all.
I’m James Karageorgis, son of giggs Karageorgis and I would like I say that my uncle was a lovely man, supported me in what I love to do, god bless where he has gone, he will never be forgotten he was a very special man and I loved him very very much, love uncle and always will
Frixos Apostolou Lefkoniko
My Deepest sympathy .Odysseas wasone of my old friend at lefkoniko high school in the year 1948 .We were in the same class for three years.Then Icame to London in 1951. We mead few times but still remember him as an old good friend.Rest In Peace.My condolence to all the Family.
xos Apostolou Lefkomiko
My Dear friend Odysseus, I will never forget you for always making me welcime in the Elysee. I spent Many a lovely night there for over 30 years. I will miss you. Rest in peace. Norman