Andrew Andy Kosta Glimenakis

He was born on December 2, 1933, in Anopolis, Sfakia, on the Island of Crete, in Greece, to Kosta and Sophia ( Marangoudakis ) Glimenakis. Early years were spent on the Island of Crete, and after entering the Greek Merchant Marines and travelling to various world ports, he immigrated to America, at the age of 17, in 1950. He lived in Springfield, MA for a brief period before meeting and falling in love with his future wife.

On February 27, 1955, he married Irene Catherine Pappachristodoulou in a ceremony at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Holyoke, MA. Together they started their family in Chicopee, MA. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before her death in October of 2014.

In 1978, Andy, along with his sons, opened the first Athens Pizza, in Walpole, NH. They opened the Keene store in the early 1980’s. He was the voice of the Greek Community on the radio waves of WKBK / WXOD, hosting his weekly radio segment “The Greek Voice” for over 10 years. His personal greetings as families entered his restaurants were customary. He was always there, and knew everyone as they came thru the door. He built relationships with the people who came to his restaurant, learning each person’s story, and making them feel welcome. That was, and is, his restaurants legacy and success. He helped those that worked in the restaurant, those that came through the door and those throughout his community in times of need. A highlight for him came in 1979, when he and his boys were involved in the making of a movie, called “King of America”, each had a part and each part created a lasting memory.

He was a long time member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene. He took a lot of pride in his Greek heritage; he had a huge love of his family and Keene, the town he called home. He took care of his house, his yard and his gardens.

He is survived by his six sons, and their families, including 14 grandchildren: Charles Glimenakis of Keene, his companion: Sharon Adams of Swanzey and Charlie’s children: Kara, Nicholas and Kristopher; James Glimenakis, his companion: Sue Parry of Swanzey and Jim’s children: Alethia and Stefanie; William Glimenakis, his wife: Haroula and their children: Andreas, Eirini and Efstratia of Leominster, MA; Anthony Glimenakis, his wife: Maria and their children: Andreas and Chrysovalandi of Keene; Christopher Glimenakis, his wife: Fotini and their children: Erene, Kanella and Demetroula of Keene and Harry Glimenakis, his wife: Holly and their son: Andreas of Leominster, MA.; two daughters in law: Sue Davis-Glimenakis and Kathleen Glimenakis, both of Keene; a sister: Evangelia Frangostefanakis and her husband Yiannis of Xania, Crete, Greece and a brother Nikos Glimenakis of Montreal, Canada; as well as several nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his loving wife: Irene C. Glimenakis and a brother: Manouso Glimenakis.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 11:00 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 70 West St, Keene. Burial will follow at Monadnock View Cemetery, in Keene. Calling Hours will be held at the Fletcher Funeral Home on Thursday, September 17, 2015, from 4:00 until 7:00.

Memorial donations will be graciously appreciated, in Andrew K. Glimenakis’s name, to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 70 West St., Keene, NH 03431.

Fletcher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com), 33 Marlboro St, Keene has been entrusted with the arrangements.