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BORN
1926
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Demetrios Fanis Obituary
Demetrios "Jimmy" Fanis, 90, of Middletown, died Satruday March 18, 2017 at his home. He was born in Greece on April 28, 1926 and came to America in 1950. He worked many jobs in both manufacturing and restaurants until meeting his business partner Fottie Ganaros. In the late 1950's they opened their very own pizza house, the Pizza Palace on South Main Street which was one of Middletown's first pizzerias. Jimmy served in the Greek Army and helped fight with the Partisan forces during the German occupation of Greece. He is survived by, his sister Mahi Xhollo Fane, his godson, James Ganaros of Rockfall as well as amny nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Katerina Fane, sisters, Parashqeui Bollo Fane, Urania Jorgji Fane, Vanthia Telu Fane, and his brother, Grigori Fane. Calling hours will be held on Monday March 27th from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St. Middletown. Those who wish may make memorial contributions the Connecticut Institute for the Blind, 120 Holcomb St., Hartford, CT 06112. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Demetrios Fanis
Sponsored by the family.
Katerina Fane Ntouvli
March 19, 2025
YOU ALWAYS be remembered with LOVE
Athena Cone
March 15, 2025
Always with a smile
Ermioni Ntouvli
March 18, 2024
You allways be remembered on our hearts dear Uncle
Rest in Peace
Katerina Fane Ntouvli
March 15, 2023
A heart of gold stopped beating,
Working hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best,
Leaves and flowers may wither
The golden sun may set,
But the hearts that loved you dearly ,
Are the ones that won't forget.
In loving memory of my Uncle DEMETRIOS "JIMMY" FANIS always remembered
Katerina Fane
March 16, 2022
You always be on our hearts Uncle
May your soul rest in peace with your loved one
Ermioni Ntouvli
May 17, 2019
In the end with your beloved family Rest in Peace Uncle
Ermioni Ntouvli
May 17, 2019
Barbara Traverso
April 12, 2017
Barbara Traverso
April 12, 2017
Best friends!
Barbara Traverso
April 12, 2017
My god father, Jimmy, will always hold a special place in my heart. Generous to a fault, loving and loyal is how I will always remember him. I hope you are reunited with your best friend (my dad) forevermore. Love always, Barbara
Kathie (Bartolotta) Bystrek
March 24, 2017
Fond memories of going to Pizza Palace and hearing all the bantering between Jimmy, Forty and their customers. God bless the family during this difficult time.
March 23, 2017
To the entire Fanis Family, Jack and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to each and everyone of you...We have know Fortie and Jimmy for many years. Our children's first "dining out"experience was at the Pizza Palace after our weekly shopping at the Grand Union...
Sincerely, Jack & Lynda Herrmann
Pete Smith
March 23, 2017
Blessings to all of Jimmy's family. I started going to the PP at least 60 years ago. Although I have lived out of state most of my like, a trip to the PP was a "must do" whenever I got back to CT for the custom made Grinder Jimmy always prepared for me. Jimmy and I exchanged Xmas cards for perhaps 50 years. My favorite memories were the late night sessions after the doors were locked, a few of us regulars gathered to enjoy some more potent libations, good food, and always heated, but fun, conversations on politics, the stock market, and solving the problems of the world. Rest in peace Jimmy.
Katherine Fillmore
March 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Many fond memories of Jimmy that will always be cherished and never forgotten. There is now an angel watching over.
Laura Kelly Rocha
March 22, 2017
Jimmy ,
I know you have gone on to join the Angels of those lost before us..
You worked hard all your life, time to enjoy your new wings....
Relax, smile, enjoy your dancing, and until we meet again.
Love Ona ~~~~~Yasou ! !
Paul Kurneta
March 22, 2017
My father Charlie Kurneta was friends with both Jimmy and Fottie and I will always remember driving from Durham with my dad just about once a week to pick up a fantastic pizza.or a grinder Time spent waiting for your order in the original Glass pizza palace (where Mcdonalds is now located ) was always a pleasure the warm hospitality and conversations are a fond memory. Rest in peace Jimmy may God give strength to your family.during this time of loss.
Mark Charatan
March 22, 2017
So sorry, knew Jimmy for at least 60 years. Those eggplant grinders were the best. The first place my sisters wanted to stop when they visited from Long Island was Pizza Palace for grinders and also get some to bring back home.
March 22, 2017
With deepest sympathy and very fond memories of going to Pizza Palace and being greeted and welcomed by Jimmy like we were family..❤
Carol Costomiris Marchant
March 22, 2017
Some of my best childhood memories are of Pizza Palace and Jimmy and Fottie. Dum Dum lollipops, picking a soda out of the old Coca Cola cooler, and by far the best pizza and grinders. R.I.P. Jimmy.
Athena Cone
March 22, 2017
May his memory be eternal. Our son Donald, who is Jimmys godson lives in China and we are living in Florida and can't attend. Thoughts and prayers. Donald and Athena Dousis Cone,
John Robinson
March 22, 2017
Rest in Peace Jimmy, Generations of Middletown residents have many fond memories of your restaurant and your warm smile. May the good Lord be with the family at such a time as this.
Adrienne Dorsee
March 22, 2017
Will always remember his smiling face and warm greeting at the Pizza Palace.
March 22, 2017
Pizza Palace was our favorite place to go and Jimmy was a big reason. He always greeted us as soon as the door opened and waited on us like we were his only patrons. A lot of smiles and laughs happened there. God's speed, Jimmy
Joan and Bob Atwell
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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Memorial Events
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Mar
27
Calling hours
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Biega Funeral Home - Middletown3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Mar
27
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