Peter Metritikas

Peter Metritikas, 94, of Vestal, NY, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Barbara Jo (Edwards) Metritikas, and by three of his five children: Cindy Burns, Steve Metritikas, and John Metritikas (survived by his wife, Mary). He is survived by his sons, Paul (and his wife, Vicki) and George; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as extended family in the US and Greece.

Born in 1931 in the Sparta region of Greece, Peter's early life was shaped by family, sacrifice, and determination. Adopted as a child by John and Anna Metritikas, his journey to America was delayed for years by World War II. He arrived in the United States at the age of 19, he went on to build a life defined by hard work and a reputation for excellence in the Southern Tier, opening and operating beloved local restaurants including The Spot, Take a Break, The Cabana, and The Blue Dolphin. His final restaurant-Pete's Legacy Diner, opened in 2007-was named as a nod to his long history of successful diners, but those who knew him best will say his true legacy was his faith in Christ, steadily lived and deeply felt by family, coworkers, and customers alike.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on February 3, 2026, at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Vestal (no calling hours). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Peter's memory to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760. The family is especially grateful for Mercy House's outstanding, compassionate care, having supported them three times in the past three years for Barbara, John, and Peter. https://mercyhousesoutherntier.com/donate.html