Dimitrios A. "Jimmy" Gitsis

Dimitrios A. "Jimmy" Gitsis, 87, of Coventry, passed away peacefully on July 10th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Christina, his wife of 63 years.
Jimmy was born in the countryside of Larisa, Greece, to the late Apostolos and Glykeria Gitsis. From a young age, he knew the value of hard work. Life in Greece wasn't easy, and he was determined to help support his family and build a better future. He began working in restaurant kitchens, eventually becoming a chef, something he was incredibly proud of.
In 1962, he met Christina, the love of his life. They settled in Athens and started a family. Their first daughter, Georgia, was named after Jimmy's great-uncle George Gitsis, a beloved chef at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Soon after, their daughter Glykeria and son Apostolos were born. Jimmy worked hard to provide for them, always dreaming of a brighter future.
With Uncle George's help, Jimmy made the bold decision to move his young family to the United States, hoping for a better life. They settled in Willimantic, where both Jimmy and Christina began working at the American Thread factory. Determined to do more, Jimmy took on a second job, working long hours in restaurant kitchens and biking to work after his shift at the mill. It was a difficult time, but Jimmy and Christina never lost sight of their dream: to open a restaurant of their own.
In 1971, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Nektaria. Just two years later, in 1973, they took a leap of faith and opened Jimmy's Pizza House inside Vinton's General Store in Coventry. With the generous support of the Vinton family and the warm embrace of the local community, their little pizza shop began to thrive. Jimmy worked tirelessly perfecting recipes and making sure everything he served was made with care, pride, and love. His delicious food, along with his quick smile and friendly personality, made the restaurant a cherished local favorite. Over the years, the business grew along with the family. Jimmy's children helped out in the restaurant, and after the passing of Mrs. Vinton, the family moved into the home next door. Eventually, his son Paul transformed Jimmy's Pizza House into Dimitri's Restaurant, which became a cherished part of the Coventry community.
When he wasn't in the kitchen, Jimmy enjoyed gardening and watching his favorite Greek soccer team, A.E.K. But nothing brought him more joy than his family. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and lit up whenever he saw them or spoke about them. He was also generous to family back in Greece and to others starting new lives in America, just as he had.
Jimmy will be remembered for his dedication, strong work ethic, humor, love of cooking, and his big heart. He touched the lives of so many, and his legacy will live on through his family and the community he helped build.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Christina; his children, Georgia Salinsky (Adam), Candy Hyatt, Paul Gitsis, and Nektaria Hart (Darryl); his grandchildren, Kristina Ferretti (Anthony), Marina Chevalier (John), George Zoghbi, Alexandra Salinsky, Julia Salinsky, Thomas Salinsky, Nicholas Provost, Zachary Provost, Christopher Provost, Seth Hart, and Riley Hart; and great-grandchildren, Chase Banning and Mira Sweney. He also leaves behind his brother, Nikolas Gitsis (Fani) and godson, Michael Santos. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Katina, Sevasti, Zoe, Thanasis, and Theodoros.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Rd. (Rt 83) in Vernon. At the request of his family, his funeral service will be held privately, and burial will take place in Coventry Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.