Sotire Michael Kididis

August 5, 2021

Sotire Michael Kididis, age 93, fell asleep in our Lord August 5, 2021, at his Clintonville residence. Son of Greek immigrants, he was born and raised in Toledo, OH. He graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering which led to a 37-year career with the Ohio Department of Transportation. On June 13, 1954, he married Maria Chouramanis and they were married for 38 years. They began life together in Ashland, Ohio for nine years before moving to Columbus. Sotire was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church who showed us all by example the meaning of “love thy neighbor.” Several times over the years he opened his home to others who needed a place to live. In his own neighborhood he was often the first to welcome a new neighbor on the block with a plate of homemade cookies, he held block parties, and visited with all the neighbors on his daily walks. In addition to his love for people and his family, he also loved working hard in his garden and often helped his children and neighbors with their landscaping. He also combined his love for the church and gardening by volunteering to do all the landscaping around the Annunciation Cathedral for over 20 years. He volunteered many hours to support the annual Greek Festival, played accordion for the Hellenic Singers Greek folksong group, and sang in the church choir. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Maria, parents, Michael and Despina Kididis; sisters, Angie Damalas and Bess Chongris; he is survived by daughter, Denise (Greg) Ragias of Ankeny, IA; sons, Michael (Mary) Kididis of Pataskala and Andrew (Linda) Kididis of Clayton; eight grandchildren, Peter, Alexander, Christina, Nicholas, Stephen, Stephanie, Philip and Maria, and six great grandchildren, William, Brandon, Wyatt, Kostadinos, Theodotis, and Kyriakos; sister-in-law Vaso (Vasili) Papandreou of Athens, Greece and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the O. R. Woodyard Co. Chapel, 2990 Bethel Rd. Monday, 5:00pm – 8:00pm with Trisagion intoned at 7:00pm. Service will be held Tuesday, 10:30am at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral with additional visitation just prior from 9:30am -10:30am, Rev. Fr. Gardikes officiating. Internment at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be directed to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Family respectfully asks attendees to wear a face mask.