Obituary of Demetrios Menagias

Demetrios Menagias (Jimmy), 89, peacefully entered into eternal life on November 21, 2015. Son of Zaharias and Katerina Menagias, Jimmy was born on May 1, 1926. He worked on the family's farm until he was drafted into the Greek Army in 1946 during the Greek Civil War and served over 3 years. After his service he became a Merchant Marine which eventually brought him to the United States where he met the love of his life Anna in Brooklyn, NY. Instead of returning to the ships, he made his way to Schenectady where his cousins, Nick and Denis, were already established. He started as a dishwasher at James' Restaurant and Schenectady Hotel, and then became a short order cook at Newest Lunch. While Jimmy worked as a short order cook, his goal and ambitions were to own his own restaurant. After 3 years, he established the infamous Broadway Lunch and also brought his loving brother, Filipos and his family over from Greece to join him. The Blue Ribbon Restaurant was the second endeavor that the family built together. Jimmy was proud of his heritage and loved to spend time in his homeland, Greece. He loved to swim, garden, make his own olive oil and wine. He loved to entertain his family and friends, and he was the life of every party. In his later years, Jimmy and Anna moved to Florida where he enjoyed cooking for their friends, playing shuffle board, and poker. He is survived by his loving wife, Anna; son, Dimitrios; daughter, Maria; grandchildren, Zoe, Raena, Kendra, Maximos, and Sampson; as well as Angelo Menagias (Alexandria), Jerry Menagias (Angela); nieces, Caterina Menagias, Vicky Arrington (Stephen); and many great-nieces and nephews. He had a passion for cooking, entertaining, music, his family, practical jokes, but most of all Jimmy had a zest for life. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November, 29th, 4 to 7 p.m., Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. At the family's request, funeral services will be private, for family only