Panagiotis Kokis

Peter was born and raised in Preveza, Greece, to Vasilios & Eleftheria Kokis, the son of a 2nd generation commercial fisherman. Peter served in the Greek Navy during the years 1963-1966. He then went on to work as a mechanic repairing large ships in Peraia, Greece, and later worked for a steel shipping company traveling around the world until arriving in New Haven Harbor, CT in 1968. There, he decided to plant his roots to pursue the American Dream. Peter met and married Evanthia Kokis in 1969 and lived in Meriden, CT, where they started their life together and raised their son William Kokis. Peter worked at International Silver and then temporarily as a painter. After much thought, Peter decided to make a lifelong career in the food industry. While working at various establishments, Peter decided to buy his own Pizzeria in North Haven, CT in 1974. After selling the North Haven location, he moved into the current Middletown, CT location in 1976, which he named Pizza King Restaurant. This family run establishment is where everyone remembers the great food and great personality which Peter was famous for. Over the years with the excellent reputation and great customers, the name was changed to Our Place Restaurant. Peter poured his heart and passion into his customers and the food he loved to make for everyone. Since opening Our Place Restaurant in 2013, Peter's current wife Ermioni (Tsouma) Kokis worked by his side and was known as "Mama". Peter always contributed selflessly to the community and was always willing to help everyone. His smile would light up a room and he touched everyone's heart. Peter was loved by all and will be dearly missed. Throughout his life, Peter enjoyed fishing, cooking, gardening, running the restaurants, his family, and especially his customers who were like family to him. Peter's homegrown vegetables enriched the homemade dishes enjoyed by all. Peter especially enjoyed his time with his granddaughters. Peter was the eldest son, followed by his brother Apostolos (Paul) Kokis, and pre-deceased by his sister Sofia Karampetianis. Peter passed away on October 6th 2021, after a brief illness. With many heavy hearts, Peter leaves behind his current wife, Ermioni (Tsouma) Kokis, his son William Kokis, his daughters Julieta Tsouma & Kiki (Tsouma) Koumpoulis, and granddaughters Marina Kokis & Alexa Kokis, Victoria Koumpoulis & Ermioni Koumpoulis, and many more relatives both here and overseas. At this time a memorial service will be held at a future date to be announced.