Constantine "Costa" Panais

Costa was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1966. As a young boy, he enjoyed spending his summers working at his family’s business, Saveway Supermarket. Whether stocking shelves or delivering groceries to homes, he always enjoyed work especially when he was accompanied by his beloved parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, or cousins.

In 1978, southward, his family went towards new endeavors in West Palm Beach, Florida. His family opened the Royal Greek Restaurant and the Royal Palm Motor Lodge. It was there he began his apprenticeship in the kitchen under his father’s tutelage, which inspired him to help create one of Palm Beach County’s top dining destinations. Costa and his family found a home in St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church that led to lifelong stewardship and friendships.

While vacationing in his hometown of Montreal in 1984, he found his future soul mate the instant he set eyes on her. On August 15th, amongst a group of cousins and friends, he leaned over to his cousin and said, “I’m going to marry Daisy!” Those group gatherings slowly turned into a long-distance romance. His numerous 24-hour non-stop drives in his beloved 1980 Trans-Am from Florida to Montreal came to a halt when they decided to elope. Nothing was going to stop him from marrying the love of his life. On April 7th, 1986, after needing the Bishop’s special approval for a lenten wedding ceremony, Costa and Daisy were married at St. Michael Greek Orthodox Church. In front of a select group of family, friends, and the absence of their parents, the two 18 and 19-year-olds became one and began their 35-year love story.

In 1993, Costa, alongside his two brothers-in-law, began chiseling away at what would become their “David”: The Dune Deck Cafe. After 20 years, he was ready for another culinary challenge. In 2013, Costa and his family ventured to Boynton Beach and opened Dune Deck’s Mimosa Cafe. His passion for food always kept his mind churning for new creations that have delighted thousands of loyal guests for decades.

He was a man who enjoyed simple gatherings with the ones he loved. His ultimate pride will always remain in his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a man who upheld his traditional Greek values; God, family, and hard work. He is survived by his wife Daisy, son Petros, daughter-in-law Maria (Constantine, Vasilios, Alexander), daughter Maria, son-in-law Michael, sister Sandra, brother-in-law John Caruso, his nephew Petros (MiaNicole) Calomiris, brother-in-law John Calomiris, brother-in-law Peter Abagis, nephews John-Andrew, Jacob, John Abagis, Tom Chylewski, Nieces Emily and Jasmine Abagis.

Friends and family may pay respect Thursday, October 7th, 2021 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM with Trisagion Service at 8:00PM at Dorsey- E. Earl Smith Funeral Home and Lake Worth Memory Gardens, 3041 Kirk Rd, Lake Worth, FL 33461. The Funeral will be held on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at 10:00AM at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 110 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church in Costa’s name. May his memory be eternal. https://giving.ncsservices.org/App/Giving/ncs-3470

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dorsey-smithmemorygardens.com for the Panais family.