Stamate Iliescu

March 25, 1924 – March 30, 2025

At the grand age of 101, Stamate (Stammy) passed away peacefully on March 30th, 2025, with his beloved daughter Rowena, daughter-in-law Yuko, and grandson Arthur by his side at home in Toronto.

Born on March 25, 1924, in Berbesti, Romania, Stamate was predeceased by his brothers Ion Vasile (Basil) and Mihai, and sisters Theodorica, Annetta, and Paulina. He is fondly remembered by numerous nephews, nieces, and great-nephews, great-nieces, as well as longtime friends like Cornelia (Theodorescu) and Marion Rosculete, with whom he maintained close relationships well into his nineties.

Stamate immigrated to Toronto in 1957 to begin a new chapter in life. He started a family and founded Incorporated Building Services, Ltd., building a reputation as an honest businessman with high standards. He embraced cottage life, owned a farm for a time, but always felt drawn back to the city.

For the last 27 years of his life, Stamate was a resident at OWN Housing Co-op on The Esplanade in Toronto, where he cherished the sense of community and enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbours, whether having a coffee, chatting, or playing chess. His greatest joy was playing chess with his grandson Arthur and his daughter-in-law Yuko, and he also enjoyed the companionship of his boxer dog, Loki.

Stamate is survived by his daughter Rowena (from his second wife, Mary (Reeves)), and grandson Arthur (whose father, Michael (Yuko Murakami), predeceased him). He is also survived by his step-son Michael (from his third wife, Joanna) and daughter Caitlyn. From his first marriage to Joy, Stamate is survived by his children Annetta (Cooper), Angela (deceased), and Mandy (Jenkins), and his grandchildren Tara, Natalie, Chloe, and Jody, as well as his great-grandson George, who live in England and Wales.

Stamate was a lover of jokes, always quick with a punchline, and enjoyed discussing the world’s events, particularly sharing his admiration for Winston Churchill, whom he frequently quoted. He will be remembered for his strong will, caring nature, hard work, wit, intelligence, and his love of children, animals, good food, and nature. His appreciation for craftsmanship and antiquities was another trait that endeared him to all who knew him.