Another esteemed citizen and member of the Greek Community has been claimed by COVID-19. Bill Kardamitsis, aged 69 and without any underlying health conditions, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon, sending his family and fellow Greek Australians into mourning.
“It was all so sudden,” his son Spiros, told Neos Kosmos.
“On 4 January he was admitted to hospital and a few days later in the ICU. Unfortunately, coronavirus hit him in the lungs. While, COVID-19 ran its course, our father did not manage to come back from it. He succumbed. It is too hard on all of us. We cannot accept that he left so quickly.”
Corfu-born Bill Kardamitsis emigrated to Australia in 1969. He was a successful businessman and involved with several ventures in different industries. His absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt.
Mr Kardamitsis made a significant contribution to the community, as a founding member of the Greek Orthodox Parish Of The Presentation Of Our Lord in Coburg, President of the Association of Communities and Parishes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, important board member of St. John’s College and was instrumental in the development of St Basil’s Home for the Aged. He was also involved and supportive of other community causes such as Hellas South Melbourne Football Club.
Mr Kardamitsis was a popular and respected Labor candidate, whose ties to Greece ruled him ineligible for parliament in a key High Court decision 25 years ago.
Bill Kardamitsis, who contested the Victorian seat of Wills at a 1992 by-election, had said: “I thought the moment I became an Australian citizen and swore my allegiance to the Queen — I thought that was it”, a proud Australian and a proud Greek.
Above all, he was a remarkable family man. He married the love of his life, Zacharo, with whom he had three children, Anna, Spiros and Nick who in turn, gave him seven grandchildren.
When Mr Kardamitsis’ doctors deemed his condition irreversible his close family members were allowed to visit him one last time. That was on Sunday.
Since then, hundreds of close friends as well as personalities from the worlds of local politics, education and enterprise, have taken to social media to express their condolences and commend his endless support and timeless contribution to the community.
His funeral will take place next week.
