George N. Filipidis

George Nicholas Filipidis, the son of Nicholas Filipidis, a merchant seaman, and Irene Filipidis, a homemaker, was born and raised in Andros, Greece, where he attended local schools.

After immigrating to Baltimore in 1953, he took a job as a line cook at Jimmy's in Fells Point, where he worked until 1974. He then purchased the Honeybee Diner on Ritchie Highway, which had been established in 1952.

Mr. Filipidis retired in 2004 from the diner, which is now owned and operated by his two sons.

"He believed in hard work and was devoted to the Honeybee. He always said, 'Make the customer's meals the best they can be,' " said a son, Nicholas Filipidis of Federal Hill. "We served good old-fashioned diner food and some Greek dishes like moussaka and pastitsio."

Mr. Filipidis, who formerly lived on Breezewick Road in Towson, enjoyed traveling to Greece every year.

"His other hobby was buying a new Cadillac every three years. He really enjoyed that," his son said.

His wife of 56 years, the former Maria Kondogorgiou, died last month.

He was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Parkville, where services were held Thursday.

In addition to his son, he is survived by another son, Demetrios "Jim" Filipidis and his wife Robin, both of Fallston; a daughter, Irene "Rena" Marmaras of Lutherville; cherished Papou of Jonathan Marmaras, Maria Mitchell, Maria, Andria and George Filipidis; loving great-grandfather of Michael, Adriana and Riley Quinn.

The family will receive friends in the LEMMON FUNERAL HOME OF DULANEY VALLEY INC., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, MD 21093 on Wednesday, 5-8pm.

Mr. Filipidis will lie in state at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2504 Cub Hill Rd., Parkville, MD 21234 on Thursday, November 10, 10-10:30am with services at 10:30am.

Interment adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed in George’s memory to the Maryland Masonic Homes, 300 International Circle, Cockeysville, MD 21030.