South Australia’s footballing and Hellenic communities have paid tribute to Terry Kalaitsidis after the Pontian Eagles President passed away on Sunday 5 October aged 61.

Kalaitsidis’ passing has been felt by many with clubs and associations honouring the iconic figure in South Australia.

Pontian Eagles heaped praise on him for his influential role at the club over the years.

“Anyone that has been ever been involved with the Pontian Eagles, stepped on the park or just come to watch a game knows the time, effort, and most of all the love he has for the Pontian Eagles,” the team said in a post on social media.

“The club we all know today would not have been possible without the love, effort and unwavering dedication from Terry and the late John Thanos.”

West Adelaide Hellas team issued a statement, praising him for his achievements in the football space and, more importantly, as a father, husband, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.

“Terry wasn’t just our friend, he was our Hellenic brother, and so to say we are devastated by his loss is an understatement,” West Adelaide Hellas said in their statement on social media.

The club noted his immense impact on Pontian Eagles, wherein he helped steer the team from the SAASL amateur leagues to FSA federation football and having as recently as last season seen them get promoted to the State League One competition.

“While Terry was a Pontian Eagle through and through, he also left his mark on West Adelaide Hellas where he spent almost a decade at as a junior’s father, coach, team manager and hard working volunteer even making appearances at our Glendi stalls over the years,” the club said in their statement on social media.

“Terry, along with his brothers Harry and Costa, have been big supporters of our club from the old NSL days right through to Terry’s son Jeremy’s football journey which began as a five-year-old at Hellas and which went all the way through the junior ranks into the Senior ranks.”

The Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia also paid its respects to Kalaitsidis, describing him as the “driving force” behind Pontian Eagles.

“Terry’s unwavering dedication, passion, and leadership lifted the team to new heights—he didn’t just support them, he inspired them to soar,” they said in a social media post.

“His spirit was fierce, his loyalty unmatched, and his presence unforgettable. Whether behind the wheel, on the sidelines, or in the hearts of those who knew him, Terry brought people together with purpose and pride.”

Football South Australia issued its own statement in honour of Kalaitsidis, wherein they said:

“His contribution to South Australian football will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.”

Kalaitsidis is survived by his wife Vicki, two children Jeremy and Saia, his mother Isaiah, and his two brothers Harry and Costa.

Kalaitsidis’ funeral service will be held at St Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church in Salisbury Plain on Wednesday 15 October at 10.30am.