Spiro Nicholas Tesseris

East Lansing, Michigan

Spiro Tesseris, loving husband, proud father and grandfather, restaurateur and real estate broker, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 20 of natural causes. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, his family moved to Lansing, Michigan when he was a teen. Of the many accomplishments in his life, his most treasured were his family. Sophia, his wife of 54 years, Marea and Aleca, his daughters, his grandchildren Ben, Sophia, Thomas, Katie, and Megan,his brother George and his sister Toni. They were all the true focus of his life and the source of his strength and happiness. Throughout the years, Spiro placed his stamp on the Lansing area, bringing joy, food, and connection to the friends and family who live there. With his iconic restaurant, Spiro’s (Kewpee’s Cafeteria), he served the neighborhood and Michigan State students and professors with delicious Greek and American food often cooked and served up by Spiro himself. After his restaurant was cleared away to make room for a new building, Spiro began his second successful career, with his wife Sophia, as an independent Real Estate Broker in their firm, Tesseris Realty. Their ubiquitous yellow and red signs throughout the Lansing area signaled Spiro’s interest and connection with his community. Spiro also served bravely in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He served with distinction in Mike Battery, 4th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He fought with his characteristic determination and bravery at Bloody Ridge, The Punch Bowl and Heartbreak Ridge earning numerous decorations including The Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, The United Nations Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal and more. Spiro will be remembered for his unyielding love and devotion to his family, being Papou to his grandchildren, his love of cooking for and eating with his friends and family, his deep pride in his Greek heritage, and how he touched, influenced, debated with, supported, defended and engaged with his many, many friends, colleagues and community throughout Lansing.

Spiro is survived by his loving wife, Sophia, his children Marea Brichta (William), Aleca Sullivan (John), grandchildren Ben and Sophia Brichta, Thomas, Katherine and Megan Sullivan, his brother, George Tesseris (Soussana), sister, Toni Vanis (Alex), and his many nieces and nephews who were all loved by Uncle Spiro, and truly devoted to him, too.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River,East Lansing from 6 to 8 pm on Sunday. Trisagion at 7:30 pm. Funeral Services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church,1701 E. Saginaw, Lansing on Monday at Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Lansing, Michigan. On line condolences may be made to www.greastlansing.com