Dean Heliotis passed away peacefully on November 23rd just shy of his 91st Birthday. He was the beloved husband of Christine (Sarantos) Heliotis who survives him and with whom he celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past June. Loving Father of Potoula, Louis (wife Angela) and Tom (wife Andrea). Cherished Grandfather of Vivian, Dean, Christina, Dani and Nate.
Born in Washington D.C., December 19, 1932, son of the late Louis and the late Bertha (Diacoumakos) Heliotis. He attended the Pallicary-Vedova Greek School in Tarrytown New York, Orillia District Collegiate, Upper Canada College and Ryerson University where he graduated in Electronics Engineering.
Dean enjoyed several careers that included being a technologist at Orillia Water Light and Power, proprietor of Dino’s Rack and Roll and as a salesman for Prudential Insurance.
Dean was an accomplished athlete in his time and enjoyed track and field as well as playing baseball, basketball and football. He played baseball in Orillia winning the OBA Championship in 1964 with the Orillia Majors. After the 1964 season, Dean joined his long time friend and team mate Gander Ross and they began their coaching careers taking over the Majors club. He continued coaching until his 70’s eventually winning 3 more OBA titles. One of his biggest thrills in which he always had time to talk about was the 1970 Orillia Juniors team who an OBA title.
In 1998 Dean and coaching mate Gander Ross were both honoured by having a baseball diamond at McKinnell Square Park named after them.
Dean was also very proud of his Greek heritage and was a founding member of Holy Cross St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church where he served on the board for many years. He loved spending time with his family, grandkids and friends. There was never a shortage of great stories and laughs when Dean got together with them.
Visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia on Tuesday, November 28th from 6pm – 8pm
Then to the Holy Cross St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, 572 Penetanguishene Road, Barrie Ontario on Wednesday morning, November 29th from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 10 a.m. Interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations to Holy Cross St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church would be greatly appreciated. This can be done at the funeral home or by visiting https://www.stnektariosbarrie.com and clicking on donate.
Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com