Demitrios Evangelos Gatzogiannis
November 15, 1934 ~ June 26, 2022
Resided in:
Wells, Maine
Demitrios Gatzogiannis ("Jimmy") passed away at the age of 87 in Wells, Maine with his family at his side on June 27th after a courageous battle with a terminal illness. Demitrios was born on November 15, 1934 in the mountainous village of Lia in Epiros, Greece. He was the son of Anastasia (Koukas) and Evangelos Gatzogiannis.
At the young age of five, Demitrios wasn't allowed to go to school because he needed to take care of the family's herd of goats. For years thereafter, he helped the family during hard times that were to come. In 1948, when the Greek Civil War broke out, the communists took all the villagers of Lia to various countries behind the iron curtain as the allies were approaching. Demitrios, along with his mother, grandfather, and four siblings was placed in a concentration camp outside of Budapest, Hungary. He immediately took it upon himself to support the entire family as a teenager, learning to drive a tractor and work in the fields. He was able to learn Hungarian quickly which helped him get numerous employment opportunities on the collective farms. In 1953, with the death of Joseph Stalin, the Greeks were allowed to return to their villages-to the absolute delight of Demitrios and his family. However, most of the villages that the Greeks left behind, were ravaged by the war and survival was difficult for everyone who returned. Many had to go seek other opportunities abroad.
Demitrios' father and his oldest brother had emigrated to America before the war and were able to bring the family to Worcester on Columbus Day, 1955. Demitrios was immediately employed at Table Talk Pies in Worcester, MA where he flourished and was promoted often for his hard work. He saw America as a golden opportunity, and began a career that allowed him to pursue his dreams. In 1963, he married his sweetheart Helen Mallios, and shortly thereafter opened his first pizza shop in Framingham, MA called "Famous Pizza," an establishment that became a landmark where scores of people would line up on the weekends to taste Jimmys best and first pizza in town.
Demitrios, however, was still restless and ended up selling his first establishment to open up pizza shops in Brighton, Beverly, Salem, Peabody, Ipswich, MA and Seabrook, NH. He worked nearly one hundred hours a week and enjoyed every minute with his employees and the people he met. Finally, Demitrios fell in love with Maine and opened up his current House of Pizza in Sanford, ME.
Along with his wife, son, and grandson his legacy is still going strong. As his younger brother would say "Jimmy didn't have to go to business school because he was the business school." Demitrios is survived by his wife, Helen, son Foto, and daughter-in-law Kathy along with his grandchildren: Demitrios, Alec, and Zoe. He is also survived by his siblings Vasiliki Kyros, Ourania Stratis of Worcester, MA and George of Chatham, MA, in addition to his sister and brother in-laws Gramany Gatzogiannis and Rose and Arthur Mallios of Worcester, MA, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins in American and Greece. He was predeceased by his parents, his older sister Hrisoula who was killed during the war, his older brother and best friend Elias, and his two younger sisters: Agathi and Liberty Bouris.
Throughout his life, Demitrios was proud of his heritage and America-the country that made his dreams possible. Along the way, he touched the lives of many people and dedicated himself to the causes that made him proud. Tomorrow, the bells in Lia, Greece will ring loudly because the multitude of his contributions and legacy will live on.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 29th from 3 to 5PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, ME. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge in Sanford from 6 to 8PM. An additional wake will be held at the Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, in Worcester, MA, on Thursday from 5 to 7PM. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 10AM at St. Spyridon Cathedral in Worcester, MA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to St. Spyridon Cathedral in Worcester, MA and St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saco, ME.
Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com
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My condolences to all of his family and friends. I am one of the many over the years that he had made an impact. The time in the restaurant was always treasured because of the love and loyalty he showed.
– Kelly Joy
Famous Pizza in Framingham was a landmark to many of the older teens. In the 70’s it was a meeting place and had the best pizza and grinders in town. Thanks for the memories. Famous Pizza won’t ever be forgotten.
– Andrea Dale Brown
To me Jimmy was a friend!!!
Not only did I work for him but shared in his ln his life becoming a true confidant.
As time passed we too drifted along.
I’ll say it again, “He was my friend and will have those thoughts forever”!!!!
– George Moutsos
Rest easy Jimmy. You were my first real job and boss. The fun you made of work when we could have fun, and the work ethic and care you taught me to put into every single item I would prepare for your customers. You were a great boss and it was a pleasure knowing you and remaining a customer to you for many, many years. Anytime I hear your name it will bring a smile to my face. Ill always remember you fondly. My love to the family that will feel your loss so profoundly. What an amazing life story. I only knew a piece of it. You are a remarkable man.
– Lisa G
I use to work for Jimmy and enjoyed it very much! My condolences to the Family!
– Maurice Ducharme (Mr.Moe)
I met Jimmy when I was in High School back in the late 70s, eating pizza and playing video games in his arcade. Many a quarter was spent and occasionally when it was closing time and someone hadnt picked up a pizza they ordered, he would let me have it. That was a real treat! My Dad got to know Jimmy and Foto when they opened Famous Pizza in Springvale and my Dad was their mailman. My dad spent his lunches there bantering back and forth with them.
Jimmy was a great man and he will be missed by his Sanford patron family as well as his own family!
Rest In Peace and thank you!
– Doug Nash
Please accept my condolences along with my profound admiration for “Jimmy”. I have read “Eleni” by Nicholas Gage which chronicles the travails of the Gatzogiannis family. It was one of the most moving works I have ever read. I also was a teenager in Framingham during the heyday of Famous Pizza. It was our hangout, although I can’t say that I remember Jimmy from those long ago days. I married Dorothy Caraganis, whose father Nicholas was from a large Greek family that resided in Dracut, Ma., having emigrated from the Spartan village of Ouritsi. Nick and four of his brothers served in WWIi and were fiercely patriotic. Reading about Jimmy’s incredible work ethic resonated with me as I have seen the same quality in my lovely wife and all of her kin.America has been richly rewarded for offering refuge to our Greek cousins who have made a huge contribution to their adopted homeland while realizing the American dream. Now I want to visit the Sanford restaurant on our annual vacation to Maine. All the best to you, Sincerely, Matthew Taylor
– Matthew Taylor
Dear Thia Helen, Cousin Foto, Kathy, Demitri, Alec and Zoe,
Your loss is our loss. Deepest sympathies on the passing of everyone’s “Uncle Jimmy.” He will be missed dearly.
“Work Is A Slice Of Your Life, Not The Whole Pizza” ……but to Uncle Jimmy, the whole pizza was his life because making pizza wasn’t a job to him. It was his passion as evidenced by the 60+ years he dedicated to his love. It was his Family, his Faith, his Friends, his Fortune, his Future, his Fruit, his Fenway Park, his Forever. Eight slices of Fantastic features of His Life. Eight slices of Famous Pizza from Massachusetts to Maine. I sat and cried when I read all the beautiful comments everyone has written on behalf of my Uncle Jimmy. Yes, his smile was contagious. The only time I didn’t see him smile was when he buried his older brother 2 1/2 years ago, my Dad, also a pizza king, “Uncle” Louie who in his retirement would drive to Maine weekly to visit his beloved brother but just couldn’t stay away from the pizza ovens. It was in their Greek blood.
What a beautiful tribute penned by his younger brother, George, Thank You. I know Theo Jimmy would be so proud of how you summed up his life with such descriptive words. I LOVED …. “he was the business school!” Indeed he was! No education, no Harvard business degree, just hard work and a thirst to survive brought on by hardship and the desire to live a better life from his war torn homeland country of Greece. That also stood true with his 3 sisters, Bessie, Rena, Liberty and his brothers Louie and George. They all had a hard work ethic after stepping onto US soil which gave them the opportunity to dream. No, the streets weren’t paved with gold but they had the Freedom to walk down their own paths, without limits, to start a family, to work, to pursue a business venture, but mostly to live free. I am sorry we lost a good-hearted man. I am so sad to know so many will not be blessed with his presence anymore. He was such a dynamic individual. I loved him very much. He worked so hard in his life but he also made time to love so many of us over the years. I have wonderful memories of him always….. from the first Famous Pizza to swimming at his house in Saxonville in the 1960’s to playing miniature golf at his North Andover Pizza place 50 years ago in 1972, to eating his famous roast beef on a bun sandwich with special BBQ sauce in Maine. He came to my college graduation party (1978) to my engagement party and danced with me at my wedding (1979). We loved visiting Maine and going to Sanford House of Pizza where he opened his arms and heart to everyone. He was loved. My Dad and Uncle Jimmy were very close and I loved their brotherhood. The pizza circle represented so much in their life, a hard life that didn’t stop them from reaching their dreams. I’m so happy I had the chance to briefly speak with him one last time. I loved his voice and will miss him dearly. I just want to remember Theo Jimmy as the vibrant soul that he was during his lifetime. I’m very sad thinking about him. I found some photos that brought a smile to my face. He made everyone smile. Yes, he was Famous in his Circle of Life. Thank you to everyone who contributed to his life. That’s why he smiled… especially because of his wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Thanks for the memories Uncle Jimmy. Yassou Levendi! May His Memory Be Eternal. Much love, your first-born niece… Mimi
Marianne (Gatzogiannis)& Barry Bellemare
Paragould, Arkansas
– Marianne (Gatzogiannis) & Barry Bellemare
I was Demitrios’s aka “Jimmy’s” very first employee at Sanford HOP/ Roast Beef. I was only 15 and it was my first official job. He hired me before he opened to the public. I got busy making pizza boxes in the cellar. Jimmy had a broken leg in a cast at the time, he was 43 years old, and it didn’t slow him down one bit! He used to say “Shake a Leg”. I would laugh and shake my leg … I loved to work and he made it easy. There was so many things to do there and such a variety of delicious food. I felt like I was part of his family. Whenever pizzas were called in on the weekends, left on the oven top and not picked up, he would have me take them home to my family. It got so mom and dad would wait to see if I brought home pizza before they cooked supper. I truly enjoyed working for him, and with him side by side, for a couple of years until I went to college with the money I saved. My family and I visited HOP often.
My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Helen, Foto (and family), along with all of Jimmy’s friends. May Demitrios Rest In Peace and live forever in our hearts
The world lost wonderful man.
– Pam Fortin
A candle was lit in remembrance
– Lori
The Sanford House of Roast Beef was and always will be a Sanford icon. It was the first restaurant of it’s kind in southern Maine, to my knowledge. It was a fun place to go as a teen, and the food is stiil of the same great quality. The pizza still tastes the same after all these years. Jimmy was a great boss. He taught me how to work in a restaurant, and showed me how to make sandwiches, pizza sauce, and of course, pizza boxes. When he entered the restaurant everyone’s mood seemed brighter. My mom, Diane, worked for Jimmy for a couple of years, and loved her job there. My dad painted the interior of the restaurant, and Jimmy praised him for his work. Jim is a very appreciative man, and made Sanford, and the world a better place.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. His legacy will live on.
Respectfully,
Chris Robinson
– Chris Robinson
My deep sympathy may he RIP. Dennis Franklin former owner of Reflections hate salon
– Dennis Franklin
Extending my deepest sympathies to his family.
– Janice (Jann) Parnham
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
– Stephen & Cindy (McLeod) Marshall
To Mr. Jimmys family, Our sincere condolences to all Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Mr. Jimmy. You will be missed. Sincerely, Ricky & Rachel (Collette) Burbank
– Rachel AC Burbank
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Demitrios E. Gatzogiannis. Plant a Tree
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A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Demitrios E. Gatzogiannis. Plant a Tree
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A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Demitrios E. Gatzogiannis. Plant a Tree
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family. I truly enjoyed working for him at Sanford house of pizza in the 80″s
A ‘Cross’ gesture was posted
– Susan b Legere Irish
Jimmy was such a good boss and friend I dont know where Id be if it wasnt for him. Linda Marsh
A ‘Heart’ gesture was posted
– Linda Marsh
Helen & Foto,
Im so very sorry to hear about Jimmys passing. My memories of Jimmy are too many to list here on this tribute wall, but here are a few:
Jimmy gave me my first job (I was 12 years old and in 6th grade) which was handing out change in the back room arcade area of Famous Pizza in Springvale. I wore an apron filled with quarters and handed out change as needed.
I also washed the floors and cleaned the grill from the night before with my brother Butch in the early mornings before going to school. This might be one of the reasons I hate getting out of bed early! LOL.
Jimmy taught me all aspects of the pizza/restaurant business starting in the back of the House of Pizza prepping food, cleaning/sanitizing pots & pans, unloading fresh produce from his runs to Massachusetts for supplies, mixing up 55 gallon drums of pizza source with his secret recipie that gave the sauce a sweet taste, opening and closing both restaurants (House of Pizza in Sanford and Famous Pizza in Springvale), and how to make the night deposits.
The best part of working for Jimmy were the VERY INTENSE games of Ms. PacMan we played against each other very often at the House of Pizza before, during, and after work.and sometimes on the weekends when I wasnt working or after a high school dance or game. We started out as a friendly bet, then $1 wager, then $5, then $20, then $50 per game. Needless to say, I won more often than not and thats the only reason we kept playing for $50. Man, I can tell you there were some heated, yet very fun moments playing Ms. PacMan and the entire restaurant knew it.even over the jukebox playing.
As I said, I could go on and on about my memories of Jimmy. Even after I moved away from Sanford after graduating from college in 1990, I still made it a point to stop in to say hi to my old boss Jimmy when I visited back home.out of respect for the opportunity and fun/joy I had working for Jimmy the Greek.
My condolences to the entire family. Rest In Peace Jimmy. A life well lived.
– Steve “Pasta” Pelletier
To all of the family – I cannot express enough on how it saddens me to hear of your loss. Jimmy meant so much to me. All those years that I worked for him are something I look back at so fondly. He knew how to lighten the load of hard work with fun and laughter and his heart was full of kindness and generosity. He was one of a kind and a real “class act”
As a live in Australia now, I am sorry I cant be there to show my respects but you all in my thoughts
– Tom Bracken
My youth is filled with smiles and happy memories of great food because of Jimmy.
Sanford wouldn’t have been the same without you, Jimmy. My deepest sympathies.
– Robin Osmer
So many wonderful Famous Pizza memories my uncle Joe Varielle opened Saxonville Jewelers in Pinefield Shopping Center also and my favorite treat was Jimmy’s pizza .Rest in peace Jimmy
– Brian Gosselin
He was my pal. He was one of the most kindest person I have met in a long time. I enjoyed going to pick up food and , seeing him. He would shake my hand and sometimes come out behind the counter to give me a hug. A few years back he would tell me pieces of his childhood which was pretty interesting. What a very hard worker. He was a very special person . I will miss him lot
Im really sorry for your loss.
Love Karen
– Karen Merrifield
A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Demitrios E. Gatzogiannis by Bonnie Therrien and Lisa Dube. Plant a TreeIn memory of and a tribute to a very special man. He was a very caring person with a big heart and spirit. Our condolences for your loss and prayers for the family.Bonnie Therrien and Lisa Dube
– Bonnie Therrien and Lisa Dube
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of a wonderful man. I been in awe of Demetrius for decades after first learning of his struggles after WW2 in the camps and his ultimate escape to the US.
Always a cheerful and outgoing personality for his customers and friends, and his humility and the lessons he taught to those that observed him in action were infectious.
God bless, you’ll be missed by all whose lives you touched Demetri.
– The Hart Family
As a young child my grandparents would take me to Famous Pizza here in Sanford. Now at 59 I continue to go every week. Demitrios will be missed. My prayers for his family. I am deeply saddened by his death.
– Lise Hill
A Memorial Tree was planted for Demitrios E. Gatzogiannis
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Black Funeral Homes-Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home
Join in honoring their life – plant a memorial tree
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Famous Pizza was a landmark of my childhood living in Saxonville. Such a friendly place to go and always get the very best service possible!! Always greeted with smiles. You made a huge impact on our family and gave my mother a break not having to cook supper. Thank you! Love and prayers to your lovely family.
Christine
– Christine Brackin, Cormier
There are people put in our lives that have been there what seems like forever. Jimmy and I didn’t speak often. Our conversations ranged from Hi, What’s your number? and a Thank-you along with his warm smile. He has been a consistent person in my life since the 1970’s. This man showed those who entered his establishment a work ethic like no other. He was always there, working in hot temperatures, productive, personable and made great food! He and his family probably don’t even realize just how many times their work has created great family connections and conversations around the dinner table, how many birthday party’s that House of Pizza food was served and made for happy children, Business Employee appreciation days and let’s not forget wives and mother’s that worked late and pizza, Grinders or salads was the answer for dinner that night. Thank-you Jimmy for all your hard work and leaving a wonderful legacy for community’s you were once located in and ours! My sincere condolences to his family.
– Sandy Farrell Provencher
Dear Helen, Foto, and family,
I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I was to hear of Jimmy’s passing, but please know I will keep all of you in my prayers as you endure this most profound time of sorrow. I will never forget the conversations I had with Jimmy whenever I stopped into the House of Pizza for my house special, sharing stories, laughter, and Greek traditions along the way. He was the hardest worker I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I know his legacy will live on through all of you in the years to come.
Finally, I will be unable to make Jimmy’s services on Wednesday as I will be out of town but I want to assure each of you, I will be with you in prayer. As I look ahead to more House of Pizza pizza, I know I will hear that familiar voice saying, “Hello Charlie, how is your family?”
Godspeed to all of you and I will see you soon. Love, Charlie Caramihalis
– Charles Caramihalis
God bless! May you forever smile !! you will be remembered always!
– Lori
I grew up in Saxonville, MA and worked at Famous Pizza in the late 60’s, after school and week-ends. Jimmy was a wonderful boss and beautiful human being. I was invited to their home once for Eortologio, Jimmy’s name day celebration. It was fascinating and he treated us like family there. Jimmy & Helen were more like family than employers and I send Helen, his children and entire family my condolences of sympathy.
May he now rest in the arms of our Lord Savior. His work on this earth is now done.
Eileen (Earle) Wall
– Eileen Wall
A great man that I knew as Uncle Jimmy. My father worked for him for many years. When my family and I would come up to visit from Pennsylvania he would always tease me and tell me to tell my dad that he still uses my father’s pizza recipe that he jokingly stole from him. Additionally, he would treat my family like we were truly related, and my wife and kids learned to love him. Uncle Jimmy you will be missed. Bobby Durden.
– Robert Durden Jr
Demitrios was the sweetest man. He had a smile that could light up anyone’s day. He will be greatly missed
– Debbie Peirce
He was a good man, always had a smile on his face
A candle was lit in remembrance
– Aaron Perry
Thank you Jimmy blessings on your journey. Our condolences to the entire family. Butch and Cherie Martineau
– Cherylanne Blake
Foto-
I am so saddened to learn of the loss of your father. Jimmy was such a hard working individual. Very rarely did I come in to place or p/u my order & not see him working. His work ethic put many to shame. But, above all was his love for his family xoxo. Thinking of you, Kathy & the kids during these trying times. Love-Carrie Hagan (I’ll stop in next time I’m up from Manhattan)
A truly humble, great man. Met him when I moved to the Sanford area in 1988 and tasted his pizza for the first time. As a fellow Greek, I would bring my father down and they would converse in Greek. When my wife and I adopted our baby boy, he was the first person to gift him, and would forever come out from behind the counter to greet him with a lovingly big hug whenever we stopped in over the last 10 years.
I found out too late about his passing, or I would have been at ‘visiting hours’ in Springvale. May Helen and the family find peace in knowing that he is certainly keeping the masses fed in Heaven.
Ο Θεός να σε έχει καλά για όλη την αιωνιότητα ‘Τζίμυ’.
Craig, Michelle, and Garen Cakouros
Our condolences to the family. He was a great man and will truly be missed by many.
Being from Connecticut and always spending my 4th of July in Sanford at my cabin one of the first things I plan is to get pizza and roast beef from my favorite place. For the first time ever there was no answering of the phone, no familiar voice taking my order.I finally decided to drive by and saw the sign posted and then later heard what had happened. My friend that has cooked for me for years and years had passed. From him and his wife always greeting us up and asking about my family. To later meeting his son and grandson who work the family business. I will truly miss you my friend. Helen and Foto I am very sorry for your loss. My sister dannyse and all my cousins send there love to your family. Will see you soon. Dominick.
I did not hear of Jimmy’s passing until today. So very sorry to hear that. No summertime trip from NC back to my family place in Wells was ever complete until I made it into Sanford House of Pizza with my wife to get a House Special and chat with Jimmy and the crew. He will be very much missed by the entire community.
Sanford House of Pizza House Special has been (still is!) a favorite of mine and it was always such a pleasure to see Jimmy still hard at work at his age@
Very sorry for this loss. He was a huge part of my childhood. RIP may your memory be eternal.
I’m so sorry! 🙁 Wish I could’ve been there to say goodbye. You all know how I felt. 💖 Thankful for the opportunity to have given me a taste of life & friendships made from being there that have lasted a lifetime. He will always be loved & missed.
He was always smiling and happy to see his regular customers and when he hadn’t seen u in a while he always said hey where ya been. I ll miss him. Heart of the house! ♥️😭