TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved member of the Weston-Super-Mare community – Vassos Kimitri – who has passed away aged 85.

The father-of-three, who settled in Weston six decades ago having travelled from his native Cyprus in 1959, built a number of businesses in the town with his family.

They owned Neptune’s Hook, now Michaelangelo’s, as well as The Woolpack, the South Sands Hotel and more and have become popular members of the town community.

His sons – Kerry, Chris and Andrew – paid moving tribute to their father.

“On January 10 our father, Vassos Kimitri, passed away — on Andrew’s birthday. A day that will forever carry both gratitude and heartbreak,” they said.

“Many of you won’t have known our dad, but his story is the foundation of who we are today.

“Vassos came to England from Cyprus in 1959, arriving in Bristol with nothing but determination and an unbreakable work ethic. He worked seven days a week, with just Wednesday night off, earning £2 a week as a waiter. Over the years, he took on countless roles — whatever it took to provide.

“Money was incredibly tight. Our two older brothers spent parts of their infant years sleeping in an old wooden Coca-Cola box, because that was all our parents had. Yet we never lacked love, values, or direction.

“Together with our beautiful mum, Christalla, his one true love, they raised three boys through sacrifice, discipline, and resilience.

“Mum passed away in 2020, and it broke our dad’s heart. He never truly recovered. What many don’t know is that he wrote to her in his diary every single day after she passed — right up until the day he died.

“That tells you everything about the man he was.”

They said he left behind “a legacy that goes far beyond business or material success”, with three married sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as the business legacy “built on hard work, humility, and perseverance”.

“Everything we are today – as men, as fathers, as business owners – comes from the example he lived, not the words he spoke,” they added.

“Dad, thank you for everything. Your journey, your sacrifices, and your love defines us. You and mum are together again.”

Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, also paid tribute and said: “His warmth and kindness were well-known to both his Cypriot community and the residents of Weston-super-Mare. He will be deeply missed by so many.”

Vassos’ funeral will be held at noon on January 22 at the Greek Orthodox Church.

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