September 25, 1941 – March 6, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Athanasio (Tom) Iliopoulos, affectionately known as “Pops” He is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver of 60 years, Monica, as well as his children: Anastasia (Chris), Panagiotis, Kostantina (Christian), and Andreas. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Brendan and Alexandra.
Tom was born in Athika, Korinthos, Greece, to Anastasia and Panagiotis. In 1959, he immigrated to Canada, where he began working at the Inco Mine in Thompson, Manitoba. It was there that he met Monica, who was employed at the Hudson Bay. A passionate soccer player, Tom had the opportunity to be drafted professionally, but a car accident prevented him from pursuing this dream.
In 1969, Tom and Monica married and started their family in Thompson. After nearly 15 years with Inco, Tom set out to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations in the restaurant industry. Together with his older brother, he embarked on a journey to establish a business in Winnipeg. In 1975, Royal Pizza opened its doors on St. Anne’s Road—then a largely undeveloped area. Though met with initial skepticism, Tom’s unwavering belief, dedication, and hard work turned his vision into a success. Known for his love of food and hospitality, he cultivated lasting relationships with his customers, many of whom became friends. Although he officially retired in 2004, Tom continued to work at the restaurant until the summer of 2023. He found great joy in welcoming returning customers and witnessing multiple generations share in the traditions he helped create.
Tom and Monica raised their family in St. Vital, where he became a beloved figure in the community. Those who knew Tom will remember his kindness, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel valued. His love for his family was boundless, and he dedicated his life to ensuring their well-being.
Tom’s legacy lives on through his children, who carry forward his values of hard work, love, and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
A memorial service will take place on Monday, March 10th at 1:00 PM, at Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespler Avenue
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Tom’s memory.
16 thoughts on “Athanasio (Tom) Iliopoulos”
Such a wonderful man who raised such a beautiful family. Will always be fond of the moments of (sometimes opinionated) conversation when visiting the restaurant(s)! Will be remembered and cherished always.
Love and strength to the family.
My condolences to Monica and family. Tom was my first boss, he hired me when I was fifteen! It was my first experience in the “real world” and I am very grateful, I think of it often! He will be missed, may your memories give you comfort
Αγαπημένο μου θείο,
Άντεξες τόσα βάσανα αλά η καρδούλα σου σε πρόσοδε. Να ξέρεις ότι πάντα θα σε έχω στην καρδιά μου και στην σκέψη μου. Δεν θα αφήσω ποτέ η μνήμη σου να σβήσει. Πάντα θα εκτιμώ τα τόσα που έκανες για μένα και για την οικογένεια μου από μικρά. Της τόσες κουβέντες που κάναμε, και τα γέλια, δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ. Την μεγαλύτερη χαρά μου έδωσες όταν ηρθες στο γάμο μου και ξεπατωθήκαμε στο χορό. Έχω τόσες αναμνήσεις μαζί σου που χρειάζομαι περισσότερες σελίδες να της γράψω, αλά πάντα θα της κρατάω στην καρδιά μου. Καλό παράδεισο και καλή αντάμωση. Ο Θεός να αναπαύσει την ψυχούλα σου. Σε αγαπώ πολύ.
Sending my love to all of you and may all the wonderful memories of him carry you through this difficult time.
May his memory be eternal. Our condolences to the family.
Gail and I are very sad to hear about Tom’s passing, he was a down to earth and genuine person.
I really enjoyed karaoke night in 1990s, a great place to practice and learn to sing. Condolences to all the family and loved ones.
So sorry to hear of Toms passing. May God bless your family in this time of mourning.
Enjoyed entertaining at Royal Pizza on St. Anne’s. He was a great man to work for. Our condolences go out to the family.
So very sorry to hear about Tom. He introduced me to my husband at Royal Pizza many years ago . Sending my sincere condolences to his his family
My condolences to the family and friends I work at the Royal Pizza on St Anne’s Rd many years ago have great memories then Les and his wife took over the restaurant well that was different great memories then too meet many people worked with great people RIP Tom
Tom was a St Vital icon. Everyone I know remember his pizza as the best they ever had. After meeting him several years ago, he told me about how he started, and where he came from. I returned a few months later with a surprise for him… a new customer, my mother-in-law Dimitra – who shared the same hometown as Tom. It was so awesome listening to them reminisce! He will be greatly missed, and long remembered.
We discovered Royal Pizza one night after watching a sport tournament at our high school (Dakota Collegiate). That night became transformative for our group of friends, as it marked the beginning of a 49 year relationship between us and Royal Pizza. At our peak, we had pizza there every Friday night, and it became the hub for forming friendships that have lasted since then. I was the poorest member of the group in high school, so my friend would always lend me enough money to buy a pizza… a small #4. Forty nine years later, the small #4 (cheese pizza) remains my steady companion. Some of the fellows no longer live here, but any trip back to Winnipeg isn’t complete without a stop at Royal.
Tom (and Monica and kids), thank you for your blessed creation, for all the good times, and for making an indelible mark on our collective lives. Wishing you all the very best on the next leg of your journey, Tom.
Met Tom and few times..
Great conversation & Great Food.
R.I.P Tom.
My Condolences to All!
My husband and I have been married for 45 years. We had one of our first dates at Tom’s Royal Pizza in St. Vital on Ste. Anne’s Rd. in 1976. It became our go to place on Sunday afternoons along with a ski diving club,, lol! Our all time favourite Royal pizza was number 11, smoked oyster and onion. Tom always greeted and treated us as family every time we dined. We were so happy when another Royal Pizza location opened near us on Dakota street. And how happy we were to see Tom’s big smile greeting us yet again. He will be missed by everyone who met him. He was the kindest friendliest restaurateur we have ever met. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Just received the sad news of Tom’s passing. My wife and I fondly remember the many occasions we shared the friendly visits at the “original” Royal Pizza on St Anne’s Rd. Of special remembrance, there was a group of sky divers that would frequent the restaurant the same day (sundays?) that we would dine. Of course, there was an item on the menu that we would come to appreciate has our “go to” … the famous #11 !! Smoked Oyster & Onion! Even after moving to the other locations, when we’d order that #11, and Tom would stick his head out the kitchen to see if itwas us. Again , our sincere condolences to the family, he will surely be missed and remembered for the gentle man he was. Ernie & Denise Garand
Thanks for all the memories Tom.
Sincere condolences to the family.