Themistoklis Kotanidis

He married his strong, amazing wife Despina at the age of 23 and they were married on the tenth of November in 1957. They welcomed their oldest daughter Evangelia in 1959 and their second daughter Efsimeli in 1963. Both daughters were followed by the birth of their first son Efstathios Kotanidis in 1966 and their youngest son Christos Kotanidis in 1970. Themistoklis spent his life working tirelessly to provide for the beautiful family he had created with his wife Despina. They made relentless sacrifices for their family to blossom and prayed for strength for their children and others. They enjoyed 61 blissful years of marriage, side by side.

The last few years of his life were spent in Maryland, being the sensitive, funny, and loving father & doting grandfather that he was. He loved playing cards, watching his Western movies, gardening, sticking to his routine, going on walks, seeing his grandchildren, and listening to his “Pontiaka” music. But he loved nothing more than seeing all of his family together and spending time with them. He was a simple man of faith who drew people in with his peaceful, sweet nature. There was never a summer his grandchildren and children would leave for America and he wouldn’t shed tears. He was always laughing and cracking jokes with a big smile on his face. Themistoklis will always be remembered for his loving, sensitive spirit.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses Evangelia Karyliofilis, Efsymeli and Lazaros Pavlidis, Efstathios Kotanidis, and Christos and Maria Kotanidis, as well as his ten grandchildren Nitza and her husband Jonny, Giorgos and his wife Demetra, Pantelis, Elisabet, Sophia, Despina, Michaela, George, Themis, and Yiannis, as well as his one great grandchild Yiannis. He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife Despina and son-in-law Vasilis, to whom he has now been reunited.

As gentle and kind as he was on the outside, he was even more sweet and sensitive on the inside. We will forever remember, love, and miss him.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday September 7, 2022 from 3-5pm at Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk, 7110 Sollers Point Rd, Dundalk, MD.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate to your Greek Orthodox Church or charity of your choice in his memory.