Savvas Steve Demetriou

On Monday, August 19, 2024, Savvas "Steve" Demetriou, 94, of Naples, Florida died peacefully in his sleep. Steve was born on the Greek island of Cyprus, son of the late Christina and Demetris Yerosavvas.

In 1949, at the age of 20, he emigrated from the Greek village - Droushia/Paphos through Ellis Island to work in New Jersey with his godfather in the restaurant business. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Banks in Winthrop, Mass for the 19th Coastal Artillery Regiment - a designated Command Center for Boston Harbor Nuclear Radar threat monitoring. During his military service, Steve brought his younger brother Peter over from Cyprus and together they purchased the Donut Hole, a popular breakfast place across the street from Fort Banks. Soon after, they expanded to create an iconic family restaurant - Brothers Restaurant.

Steve was the epitome of the American Dream, an entrepreneur who went on to purchase a shopping mall that included Demetri Brothers Liquor (famous for the "coldest beer in town"). He was known as charming, hospitable and a man of great faith.

Early in his career journey, Steve met Marina Pavles at a Greek event in New York, and it was love at first sight. On June 30, 1955 Steve married Marina and had an amazingly beautiful marriage for 67 years before Marina passed away in May 2022. Together they were initially members of the St George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn, Mass and after moving to Naples, Florida they joined St Katherine Greek Orthodox Church.

Surviving are son, Steve (Dana) Demetriou of Dallas, TX; two daughters, Christina Demetriou of South Yarmouth, MA and Nelia Demetriou of Naples, FL; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and one brother, Peter Demetriou of Winthrop, MA.

On Friday, August 23rd, Father Demetre Mott conducted a funeral service at 9:30 am, followed by an Entombment - both taking place at Naples Memorial Gardens.

To sign Steve's guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.