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Elias Smirnioudis Obituary
Louie came to the United States from Greece at the age of 16-years-old. Along with his family, he owned and operated the Windmill Restaurant for over 20 years, where he was known for opening his restaurant free of charge every Thanksgiving to those less fortunate to offer a home-cooked meal in a familiar, loving environment.
Known for his compassion, he was always giving back to his community by helping friends and raising money for local sports team and an array of charities. He was an avid New England sports fan, liked hunting and fishing and enjoying time with family and friends.
He leaves behind his wife, Sofia, of 27 years; and his three sons, George, Kosmas, fiancé Kaite and Michael. He is also survived by his mother, Marianthi; his sister, Erini, and her husband, Sterio, of Chios, Greece and extended family.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, Aug. 29, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., Concord (for GPS directions please use 3 Church Street, Concord).
Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 68 North State St., Concord, followed by a burial at Blossom Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Louie may be sent to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 68 North State St., Concord, 03301. Donations will be shared between his church in Concord and his beloved hometown church in Chios, Greece.
The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements. Messages of condolences may be offered at bennettfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elias Smirnioudis
Pauline W
September 10, 2013
Jim and I are sorry to hear about Louie's passing. We have sat and talked to you all so many times after Jim's stroke. We were out of town when it happened, so we could not pay our respects. But please know your family is in our prayers and thougts. Jim and Pauline (English)
September 3, 2013
This Earth was a better place having had Louie and his big heart on it! Being a very generous man I will never forget him for cooking up liver and delivering it to our beloved dog Molly when she was so sick at Dr. Mara's. My heart goes out to the whole family at this difficult time. May your memories comfort your grief and sadness.
Anne Lakeman, Concord
Kimberly Scott
September 1, 2013
You will be missed but we all love you and the family I am sorry that we lost our rock in life but we will see you again someday! My prayers and love go out to the family.
Sergio Sergonis
August 31, 2013
To The Elias Smirnioudis Family, We are so sorry for Your Loss. May His Memory Be ETERNAL.God Bless and Rest His Soul!!! Old Frend Elia.
Joanne Freni and David Moran
August 30, 2013
We both are so deeply sad about the loss of your Dad, he was a wonderful man. Everyone who knew him will miss him so very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
August 30, 2013
To the Smirnioudis Family,
Thoughts and prayers from the Morrill Family
August 30, 2013
To Sophia and Family we are so sorry to hear of Louie's leaving this earth. He was a great man. My husband and I use to go to the Windmill every Sunday for breakfast and Louie would say "Hi Kids". Made us feel welcome..
Charlie & Sarah Perkins Raymond NH
Deachman Family
August 30, 2013
Michael and Family, we didn't really know your dad well,but knew what he stood for, and knowing the kind of person you were was a great reflection on his and your families values. We are deeply saddened for you and your loss, and want you to know that you are in our thoughts a prayers. May the strength of your family carry you through this difficult time.
August 30, 2013
Boys and Sophia,
Your family has made a great impact on this city, no small feat. You all have much to be proud of and know Louie will be remembered in many wonderful ways. Your Brady family is thinking and praying for all of you with love.
Funo
August 29, 2013
Louie, you were one of a kind! You were rich in the ways that really matter - great friendships and the most generous of spirits. The legacy you left will live on a long, long time. God bless you and your family.
Mike Schofield
August 29, 2013
Sofia, George, Kos and Mike,
Words are not adequate to express our sympathies. You are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. We will miss Louie and his smile! Love and prayers.
The Schofield Family
Mike, Nanci, Shawn and Mackenzie
Laura Christy
August 29, 2013
To the Smirnioudis family,
It's sad to know we lost such a kind and generous person. May the love of family and friends give you strength during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Lisa B.
August 29, 2013
I didn't know Louie but I loved him from afar. I knew who he was, what he did and of the passion in his heart. As most of our community sat down at our own tables, with our own families at Thanksgiving, we were given an added blessing knowing that the less fortunate had a place to go, a warm meal and a safe place. Louie showed up for life, enriched a community and left a legacy. God Bless the Smirnioudis family.
August 29, 2013
Our sincere sympathy goes to the Smirnioudis family. Louie would light up a room with his smile. We are grateful to have known him. From all of us at Loudon Building Supply
Denise Presby
August 29, 2013
Dear Smirnioudis family, We are so sorry for your loss. Louie was such a kind, generous, and loving person. We loved our visits with him at the restaurant and the laughs we had. We were honored to know him. He will be missed by all that had the opportunity to know him.
Our deepest sympathy to you all...Denise, Abbott, Austin, & Meredith
John Sellar
August 29, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Smirnioudis family for your loss.God be with you my friend.
jack & mary french
August 29, 2013
he made us all feel special !
Debbie Drown
August 29, 2013
What a wonderful caring and generous man-My deepest sympathies to his family....
Dawn
August 29, 2013
Our sincere sympathy goes to the Smirnioudis family and his beloved staff at the Windmill...A memory is a keepsake of time that lives forever in the heart. May your treasured memories bring solace during this time of loss. With Sympathy from the staff at Royal/Concord Garden Apts.
Audrey Martel
August 29, 2013
My dear Louie, I shall never forget you. We go way back probably about 35 years. I first met you when you were cooking at the Cat N' Fiddle. You always had a great smile and you were always full of kindness. I shall always remember the great times we all had. You and Niko were like brothers. Rest in peace my dear friend and know you have done great and helped many many people during your stay. Prayers to your family, and the Windmill employees.
Mary & John Zoumas
August 29, 2013
Your genuine smile and love for everyone will never be forgotten! May Sofia and the boys somehow find peace. You will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving you.....Thanks for the memories!
August 28, 2013
Dear Smirnioudis fsmily: My sister and myself had the pleasure of working with the Smirniousdis family back in 2006-2007. I (Joshua) had a stellar time working with Louie at The Windmill. Every shift was an emotionally charged time of fun not work though we always took care of business. Louie was such a generous man. Love and prayers to our friend!
Love Joshua and Kelley A.
Greg and Carol Feehan
August 28, 2013
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. What a wonderful father and human being.
March 2011
Trish Sloper
August 28, 2013
Thank you Louie, for giving me a chance.
You are a true American Red Cross Hero.
Fr. Emmanuel Koveos
August 28, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to the Smirnioudis family for the loss of a dear friend and wonderful person. May God rest his soul in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times.
May God Bless you.
Fr. Emmanuel Koveos and family
Dick & Linda Mueller
August 28, 2013
God bless you, Louie, and give you your eternal reward. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Laurel Colson
August 28, 2013
This world has lost a wonderful man who loved his family, his community and his restaurant. We could all learn from the love he shared with everyone. Gone from this world, but forever in our hearts.
August 28, 2013
Louie, I am sadden as Great man whom cared of family friends and the homeless. Has a place there in Heaven . Louie you are a Great man....Thanksgiving needs to go on. U should us what one person can do to Change the world. But Louie would say it was not me it was my workers my family My life. God Bless
Jeanne and Ed Young God is with u
Wendy Pavnick
August 28, 2013
George and family, I am so sorry for your loss....he will forever be remembered for his kindness, generosity and love of his family. My thoughts are with you all..
Wendy Pavnick
Alan & Monica Bassett
August 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go to the Smirnioudis family and employees at the Windmill Restaurant.Louie made us feel special from the first day we walked into the restaurant.We had just moved to the State and he was so friendly and caring.My husband often remembers whenever he ordered steak and eggs,he also got an extra egg.When we had to move again we always remembered Louie and thought of him and the family always.He will be greatly missed!
August 28, 2013
My boys and I were reminiscing about all the delicious spaghetti dinners that Louie and the Smirnioudis family held for the Bishop Brady sports teams. They were one of the best parts of the season. And no one added more enthusiasm to the "chain gang" than Louie. He will always be part of the wonderful memories of those years and for being such a kind and generous man.
With Love,
The Ewing Family
August 28, 2013
August 28, 2013
August 28, 2013
August 28, 2013
John and Kathi Chang, who live next door to the Vasilakis Family, where Sofia,Louie and their sons have visited many times, are truly a wonderful and close family, and Lou's generosity and his local community "family" will dearly miss him. Our hearts are grateful that we knew him.
August 28, 2013
We are thinking of you in your loss. Louie will be fondly remembered. Sincerely, Sheila and Dan Finnegan
Christine (Jewett) Genard
August 28, 2013
So terribly sorry and saddened to hear of Louie's passing. I had the chance to work at the Windmill while in high school and college and very much enjoyed the time working with the Windmill crew. Louie's heart will always beat strongly in the fabric of NH and he will be remembered always. My prayers for the entire family and his Windmill family.
Shari
August 28, 2013
He will be greatly missed, sorry for your loss!!!!
August 28, 2013
Louie;
You and Sofia were the best dancers(Greek) that I have ever seen. I enjoyed hunting, drinking and talking with you. You will be missed.
Sofia and kids. Silipitiria for your loss. A great person.
Love Jim and Sandy Lekkas
Thank you for you havve done for Bishop Brady HS Hockey
Dan, Beth, Joseph & Michael St.Pierre
August 28, 2013
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
I will miss you my friend but you are now in a better place. Until we meet again, we shall pray for you and family.
Jeanne Barrett
August 28, 2013
I met Louie when he was first diagnosed. What a wonderful man, proud of his family and community. He immediately invited me to the Windmill for a meal, and I'm sorry I never took him up on that since our paths did not cross again. I loved reading about his generosity in the newspaper after Thanksgiving, and I believe his legacy will live on. Please accept my condolences. I lost my beloved mother August 26th so I know the greatness of your loss.
August 28, 2013
To the Smirnioudis Family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Louie was such a wonderful, caring gentleman. We will always remember him with a fond heart. The Perry Archambault Families
August 28, 2013
Please accept my sympathies. Louie was a great man who always had a quick smile at The Windmill Restaurant. Going to the restaurant with my family was always a great time because he made you feel like family.
Rosemarie Smith
Jeremy Drescher
August 28, 2013
My deepest condolences to your family in this time of loss. Louie was a very kind and loving man. I'm happy I knew him.
Mark & Linda Nieder
August 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prays to the Smirnioudis family. Louie is a great man and will be missed. May he rest in Peace.
Dave Russo
August 28, 2013
Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Smirnioudis Family. Louie was a GREAT guy and a Wonderful Person.
debby bowles
August 28, 2013
what a wonderful person to have been blessed to know. loui shall be missed by family and so very many friends and people who came to know, love and respect.though he has gone to the eternals and took a piece of each, he also left a piece of himself with all of us called memories that will keep his spirit alive in our hearts. prayers to the family at this sad time of loss. he gave back to the community so many years and that too shall always be remembered.
rest ye well loui
August 28, 2013
Our hearts and our prayers go out to the Smirnioudis family. Louie will always remain in our hearts and memories. He was, indeed, a greaty guy.
Jack adn Doreen Sheppard
Sherry
August 28, 2013
Many sincerest and deepest sympathy to the entire family in this time of deep sadness. Louie was a wonderful man and every time my Mom and I went to The Windmill Restaurant Louie always stopped by the table to say hello. Such a great loss to the community and words just cannot say enough. He was such a kind, caring, and compassionate man and wonderful business owner and an asset to the City of Concord.
Giacomo Agusta
August 28, 2013
Our hearts our broken, but our love grows. You have taught us all how compassionate a man can be. Thank you for being an example of love we can all learn from. We will miss you.
Greg & Maria Bryant
August 28, 2013
Sophia,Our hearts go out to you & the boys (George, Kosma & Michael) May all your wonderful memories help lessen the pain in your hearts! Louie was loved by all who knew him and will be missed! Our love, thoughts & prayers are with you all!
August 28, 2013
So sorry to hear of the passing of our beloved Louie. We will miss his kindness and how even though we were older than he was he always said "Hi Kids" to us every time we stopped by. The place will never be the same again. We are sure Jesus is up in Heaven telling him "Well done Louie you can rest now Bob and Carol Tonneson and Dillan
Spiro Besho
August 28, 2013
Sofia, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. From Spiro Besho Family
August 28, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to Louie's family. May God bless Louie.
Such a wonderful man. Marcy Wright
Duclos Family
August 28, 2013
My heart goes out to the Smirnioudis family. May the memories help in healing. Louie certainly was one of a kind and loved by many. He is now at peace and watching down.
Matt Rego
August 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the Smirnioudis family. Louie has touched the hearts of so many, and the Rego family will always be greatful and honored to have known him and his wonderful family who have always brought joy and laughter to all that surround them.
Willie & Carolyn Stinson
August 28, 2013
You will be greatly missed
Luci
August 28, 2013
May Louie's family know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by so many.
Dale St. Laurent
August 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers for the Smirnioudis family. Louie, you will be missed. Rest in peace. The St. Laurent Family
Frank Chaffin
August 27, 2013
I will think of Louie every time I have an omelette. I am honored to have known Louie and a better person for it. Next time we meet I am going to order a "Frank Omelette".
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