Fotios Melis

Fotios Melis, 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, and a familiar face in Petersburg for more than half a century, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, surrounded by his family. Known affectionately in Petersburg as 'Mr. Andrew,' he touched countless lives with his warmth, faith, and devotion to others.

He was born in 1941, in Kefalonia, Greece, where stone lanes echoed with church bells, Italian uniforms filled the town squares, and families stretched bread and oil through the famine. Out of that mix of hardship and community came the strength and foresight that would define his life. He grew up during the Axis occupation of World War II, the Greek Civil War, and the devastating 1953 earthquake that destroyed nearly every building on the island. He vividly recalled the U.S. military landing on the island to deliver lifesaving food and medicine, an experience that generated lifelong gratitude for America. As the youngest of seven children, Fotios always spoke with gratitude for his older brothers and sisters, remembering them as caretakers who looked after him during those early hardships on the island.

After serving nearly two years in the Greek Navy as an Engineman, he joined the Merchant Marines, embarking on voyages aboard the Desert Queen oil tanker that carried him to six continents - Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. His travels took him down the Mississippi River, through bustling ports in the Middle East and Asia, and across the great harbors of Europe, leaving him with stories and friendships that endured a lifetime. In 1967, amid political unrest in Greece, he immigrated to the United States, inspired by the promise of opportunity and the memory of American generosity.

After arriving in New York, Fotios worked painting and construction jobs before saving enough to purchase Andrew's Grill in Petersburg, Virginia, with his brother Harry in 1969. For the next 53 years, Andrew's Grill was more than a diner - it was a community anchor, a place of warmth and welcome where thousands of friendships were forged over hot dogs, burgers, and chili. At its peak, the grill sold over 1,200 hot dogs in a single day, but its true legacy was the sense of belonging it offered. He cared deeply for and mentored those around him, giving freely to anyone in need. Despite a heavy Greek accent, he forged bonds that transcended language. When Andrew's Grill closed in 2020, tributes poured in from across the country, a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.

When Fotios told his father, Gerasimos, that he was leaving for America, his father counseled him, "Wherever you go, plant roots, and always put your family first." Fotios carried that wisdom across the ocean, and in Virginia he lived it fully - raising a family, building a community, and tending to the ties of faith and friendship that became his enduring legacy.

For Fotios, family was life's greatest wealth. He often remarked that his riches were not found in possessions, but in the love and closeness he shared with his wife, sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren. In Virginia, he met and married his love and life partner Ekaterini "Kathy" Komianos, also an immigrant from Karpenisi, Greece. Together they raised three sons - Mike, Johnny, and Demetri - all first-generation college graduates, and were later blessed with eight grandchildren. He led by example, with discipline, humility, and faith: working from before sunrise until after sunset, with Sundays reserved for church and family.

Fotios loved the ocean and cherished the summers he spent vacationing in Virginia Beach. Those days were among his happiest, as he looked forward to time by the sea with his wife and sons. Over the years, he also formed lasting friendships there with fellow compatriots from Kefalonia, strengthening ties of heritage and friendship that he treasured deeply.

Fotios' life was deeply rooted in his faith and service to others. At Saint Elpis Greek Orthodox Church in Hopewell, where he and his wife were married and his children were baptized, he was a lifelong steward and servant. He dedicated years to the parish council, worked tirelessly in the church kitchen for events and the annual Greek festival, and faithfully participated in parish life. A proud member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), he lived out its mission of philanthropy and service, always with humility. He especially cherished his work on the sick visitation committee, bringing comfort and companionship to those suffering. For Fotios, faith was never passive - it was expressed daily in devotion, service, and care for his community.

For more than 30 years, Fotios and his wife Kathy quietly lived out their generosity of heart by serving as informal community hosts for the Hellenic Navy and other branches of Greece's military attending logistics school at Fort Lee. They opened their home and hearts to dozens of officers and their families - sharing with them the joys and sorrows of life, the celebrations of Easter and Christmas, and the milestones of births. They offered comfort in times of homesickness, supporting them as they longed for their relatives and homeland. These friendships grew into lifelong bonds which Fotios always held close to his heart and remembered with warmth and gratitude throughout his life

Fotios is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy; his three sons, Mike (Laurie), Johnny (Anna), and Demetri (Amalia); and his beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Andrew Melis, children of Mike and Laurie; Yianni and Katina Melis, children of Johnny and Anna; and Marina, Aristotle, Andriana, and Sophia Melis, children of Demetri and Amalia. He is also survived by his sister, Fotini Kouris; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family members in both the United States and Greece, along with many dear friends who became like family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerasimos and Katerina Kourkoumelis; his brothers, Aristotle Kourkoumelis, Harry Mellis and Petros Kourkoumelis; and his sisters, Anthi Metaxa and Niki Karousos.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, with a Greek Orthodox Trisagion service at 7 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Saint Elpis Greek Orthodox Church, in Hopewell, with interment following at Southlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Elpis Greek Orthodox Church.

May his memory be eternal.